What does New Zealand expect after new tougher work visa rules?

New Zealand has recently introduced strict changes to the rules for the Accredited Employer Work visa (AEWV) to deal with "unsustainable" migration levels in recent years, The Independent reported.

The new changes that took into force earlier this week include an English language requirement for low-skilled migrants and reduced maximum stay.

According to the country’s Minister of Migration, Erica Stanford, the new changes to AEWV scheme will help the country attract necessary skills while also reducing the vulnerability of migrants to exploitation.

Stanford said: "Getting our immigration settings right is critical to this government's plan to rebuild the economy. The government is focused on attracting and retaining the highly skilled migrants such as secondary teachers, where there is a skill shortage. 

"At the same time we need to ensure that New Zealanders are put to the front of the line for jobs where there are no skills shortages."

New Zealand recorded 254,393 migrant arrivals in 2023, according to Stats NZ, with the country's number of migrant departures standing at 115,263, bringing the net migration to 139,130.

Nationals of India were the largest group among the migrants arrivals, followed by those of Philippines, New Zealand, China and Fiji.

What are the new rules?

English Language: The New Zealand government has introduced an English language requirement for migrants applying for low-skilled level 4 and 5 positions.

This will enable migrant to better understand their rights or raise concerns about an employer early.

Reduced maximum stay: Low-skilled applicants are now allowed to stay for three years in New Zealand, instead of five years as it was before.