(Daily Point) — New Zealand has recently implemented stringent changes to the Accredited Employer Work visa (AEWV) regulations in response to what it describes as “unsustainable” levels of migration in recent years, as reported by The Independent.
The new measures, which came into effect earlier this week, include an English language proficiency requirement for low-skilled migrants and a reduction in the maximum length of stay permitted.
According to Erica Stanford, the Minister of Migration, these adjustments to the AEWV scheme aim to attract essential skills while also safeguarding migrants from potential exploitation.
Stanford stated, “Ensuring the effectiveness of our immigration policies is crucial to the government’s strategy for economic recovery. We are prioritizing the attraction and retention of highly skilled migrants, such as secondary teachers, to address skill shortages. Concurrently, it’s imperative that New Zealanders are given priority for jobs in sectors where there are no skill shortages.”
In 2023, New Zealand recorded 254,393 migrant arrivals, with 115,263 departures, resulting in a net migration figure of 139,130, according to Stats NZ. Among the migrant arrivals, individuals from India constituted the largest group, followed by those from the Philippines, New Zealand, China, and Fiji.
The new rules entail:
- English Language Proficiency Requirement: Migrants applying for low-skilled level 4 and 5 positions are now required to demonstrate English language proficiency. This measure aims to empower migrants to better understand their rights and address any concerns about their employers early on.
- Reduced Maximum Stay: Low-skilled applicants are now permitted to stay in New Zealand for a maximum of three years, down from the previous five-year allowance.
