The New Zealand government has implemented immediate changes to its Accredited Employer Worker Visa (AEWV) scheme to attract skilled workers and reduce the vulnerability of migrants to exploitation. These changes primarily target low-skilled workers and include stricter English-language proficiency requirements and a reduction in visa duration from five years to three.
These adjustments come in response to the "unsustainable" net migration levels experienced in New Zealand, with approximately 173,000 people immigrating to the country in 2023, nearly reaching a record influx.
Under the revised AEWV scheme, applicants for most work visas must meet minimum skills and work experience thresholds, and plans to add 11 roles to the Green List have been put on hold. Additionally, the Work to Residence pathway for bus and truck drivers is closing to new applicants due to shortages being filled.
Employers are now responsible for ensuring that migrant workers meet specific qualifications and skills before hiring them, marking the beginning of a broader effort to create a smarter immigration system.
New Zealand's focus is shifting towards attracting and retaining highly skilled migrants, particularly in sectors facing shortages, while prioritizing job opportunities for New Zealanders where no skill shortages exist.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has expressed concern over the high migration rates, which he deemed unsustainable. The tightening of visa rules aims to address concerns about rising rents, house prices, and inflation pressures attributed to the influx of new arrivals.
However, New Zealand's Employers and Manufacturers Association has raised concerns about potential unintended consequences of the new visa rules, emphasizing the importance of striking a balance to ensure motivated workers are not deterred from coming to New Zealand.
Meanwhile, Australia has also seen an increase in immigration but announced plans to cut its migration intake by half by tightening visa rules for international students and low-skilled workers. This decision was made in response to Australia's housing crisis and infrastructure challenges.
