New Zealand recently announced immediate changes to its employment visa program due to concerns about unsustainable levels of migration. These changes aim to address issues such as English language proficiency requirements for low-skilled jobs and implementing minimum skills and work experience standards for most employer work visas. Additionally, the maximum continuous stay for many low-skilled roles will be reduced from five years to three years.
According to Immigration Minister Erica Stanford, the focus is on attracting and retaining highly skilled migrants, particularly in areas experiencing skill shortages, such as secondary teaching. However, it’s equally important to prioritize job opportunities for New Zealanders in fields where there are no skill shortages.
Last year, New Zealand saw a near-record influx of 173,000 migrants, contributing to concerns about inflation and the sustainability of such high migration rates. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has expressed apprehension about the country’s immigration levels, noting that they may not be sustainable in the long term.
The tightening of visa rules also reflects concerns about the impact of migration on the economy. Luxon criticized the handling of immigration policies during the pandemic, stating that the system was initially closed when there was a demand for workers, only to be reopened when the economy began to slow down.
Furthermore, New Zealand’s visa restrictions have resulted in fewer study visas being issued to Indian students in recent months compared to the same period last year. This decision has faced criticism for potentially deterring talented students from pursuing education in New Zealand.
In response to similar concerns, Australia has announced plans to reduce its migrant intake by half over the next two years. This move suggests a broader trend among countries in the region to reassess their immigration policies in light of economic and social considerations.
