New Zealand Overhauls Work Visa Rules to Ease Labor Shortages

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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.[1][2]
  • 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.[3][4]
  • 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.[1][4]
  • Visa duration for Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) Level 4 or 5 jobs has been extended from two to three years, with current two-year visa holders eligible for a one-year extension.[1][4]
  • Starting April 2025, interim work rights will be granted to Accredited Employer Work Visa applicants transitioning from other work or student visas while their applications are processed.[4][5]
  • Accredited Employer Work Visa holders must earn at least NZ$55,844 annually to bring children to New Zealand, a requirement unchanged since 2019.[3][4]

Sources: [1]The Economic Times, [2]Business Traveller, [3]NDTV, [4]Business Standard and [5]Travel And Tour World.

Narratives

  • Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Business Standard and Travel And World Tour. 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, as provided by The Economic Times and NDTV. 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.