New Zealand relaxes visa rules to lure digital nomads and influencers
GuardianJAN 26
New Zealand Overhauls Work Visa Rules to Ease Labor Shortages
Above: Air New Zealand Ltd. aircraft at Auckland Airport in Auckland, New Zealand, on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024. Image copyright: Brendon O'Hagan/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Facts
New Zealand has announced comprehensive changes to its Accredited Employer Work Visa regulations, removing the median wage requirement while maintaining market-rate salary obligations in a move to address the labor shortage.
The work experience requirement for migrants has been reduced from three years to two years, making it easier for skilled workers to qualify for positions while maintaining competency standards.
Two new seasonal worker visa pathways will be introduced by November 2025 — a three-year multi-entry visa for experienced workers and a seven-month single-entry visa for lower-skilled workers.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
These visa reforms represent a pragmatic approach to addressing New Zealand's critical labor shortages while maintaining fair employment standards. The reduced experience requirements and extended visa durations will help businesses to fill crucial positions more efficiently. The removal of the median wage requirement provides employers with greater flexibility in salary negotiations.
Establishment-critical narrative
These changes could potentially undermine local employment opportunities and wage standards in New Zealand. The reduced domestic workforce threshold in the construction sector and the removal of median wage requirements might lead to increased reliance on foreign labor at the expense of developing local talent.
Sign Up for Our Free NewslettersSign Up for Our Free Newsletters
Sign Up!
Sign Up Now!