Changes in New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Worker Visa Program
The New Zealand government recently announced significant changes to its Accredited Employer Worker Visa (AEWV) program in an effort to address unsustainable migration levels and prioritize highly-skilled migrants.
Introduction of English Language Requirements
- English language requirements will now be mandatory for low-skilled jobs under the AEWV program.
- This change aims to ensure that migrants can better understand their rights and communicate any concerns with their employers.
Minimum Skills and Work Experience Threshold
- A minimum skills and work experience threshold will be set for most employer work visas.
- This measure is intended to attract and retain highly-skilled migrants in sectors facing skill shortages, such as secondary teaching.
Reduced Maximum Stay for Low-Skilled Roles
Most low-skilled roles will now have a maximum continuous stay of three years, down from five years.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford emphasized the importance of balancing the needs of businesses with the interests of the country. She highlighted the government’s focus on rebuilding the economy and ensuring that New Zealanders have priority access to job opportunities.
Stanford stated that the changes in the AEWV program are a return to pre-pandemic settings aimed at managing migration numbers and pressures on essential infrastructure like schools, housing, and healthcare.
With a population of approximately 5.1 million, New Zealand experienced a surge in migrant numbers post-pandemic, prompting concerns about potential inflationary effects in 2023.
