New Zealand Implements Stricter Visa Regulations Due to “Unsustainable” Migration Levels

The New Zealand government has announced several changes to its immigration policy. These changes include implementing an English language requirement for low-skilled jobs and setting a minimum skills and work experience threshold for most employer work visas. Additionally, the maximum continuous stay for most low-skilled roles will be reduced from five years to three years.

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford emphasized the government’s focus on attracting and retaining highly skilled migrants, particularly in areas experiencing skill shortages such as secondary teaching. Stanford also emphasized the need to prioritize job opportunities for New Zealanders where there are no skill shortages. According to a statement, New Zealand saw a near record 173,000 people migrate to the country last year, contributing to concerns about potential inflation.

The country’s population is approximately 5.1 million, but it has experienced rapid growth in migrant numbers since the end of the pandemic. The influx of migrants has also been a concern in neighboring Australia, which has similarly experienced a significant increase in migrants. Australia has announced plans to halve its migrant intake over the next two years.

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