New Zealand tightens visa rules amid ‘unsustainable’ migration

New Zealand authorities have announced a tightening of work visa regulations in response to what they describe as “unsustainable” levels of migration.

Applicants for low-skilled positions are now required to meet English-language proficiency standards and their permitted stay has been reduced from five years to three.

“Getting our immigration settings right is critical to this government’s plan to rebuild the economy,” said Immigration Minister Erica Stanford.

Last year saw nearly a record-breaking 173,000 individuals migrate to New Zealand.

Under these new stricter rules, applicants for most work visas now have to fulfil minimum skills and work experience requirements. 

Earlier plans to add 11 roles, such as welders, fitters and turners to the list of occupations that would qualify for a fast-track to residency have now been scrapped. 

Employers are tasked with ensuring that migrants meet the specified qualifications and skill requirements before giving them a job.