New Zealand Immigration Law Immigration News

It’s clear we have both a worker and skills shortage and that employers are finding it increasingly harder to find the talent they need to grow their business.

Immigration lawyer Aaron Martin explains why NZ businesses are suffering a shortage of both skills and labour – and why immigration policies fall well short of addressing the issue.

Our labour market is tight and is only going to get worse.

A recent government announcement has outlined new changes to streamline the Accredited Employer Work Visa, including new dates for implementation.

The Government has just announced a five-step plan to reopen New Zealand’s borders, starting on 27 February. It’s great news that will bring a lot of relief to New Zealand citizens stuck overseas.

On February 22 Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is opening the 2021 one-off residency visa to people who have a Skilled Migrant Category expression of interest (EOI) in the pool, submitted on or before 29 September 2021. Up to 1,500 people will be able to apply each day.

The government is beginning a back down on border restrictions due to public pressure for life to return to normality. Hence their rather hastily created plan for the border to re-open.

Previously, children of work visa holders who could not acquire residency had to pay international tuition fees for tertiary education. Children of eligible migrants will now be able to study as domestic students whilst their family’s one-off 2021 Resident Visa is being processed.

Border exemptions for some skilled workers seems like a quick fix, but with no clear plan, it could be a disaster. Read immigration lawyer Aaron Martin’s opinion on the latest announcement from INZ.

On 24 November, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins outlined a reopening plan for New Zealand’s international borders, which have been closed since the start of the pandemic in early 2020.