New Immigration rules will severely impact New Zealand business
Source: Creative Content
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The unforeseen consequence of the immigration law changes is that New Zealand employers will struggle to fill roles on
the skilled shortage list under the new system.
Analysis of the new immigration law changes has so far focused on the effects on the economy and the flow of migrants.
But there are several other ramifications of the recent law changes that have been overlooked.
As the changes restrict pathways to residence under the skilled migrant category, New Zealand employers will find it
more difficult to fill positions. Some employers may have roles available that would have been previously been defined
as skilled jobs but with the new income thresholds that will no longer be the case.
Under the new rules, these jobs will no longer be considered highly skilled unless the salary is over $49,000. This will
affect industries where the local labour pool is not adequate to meet the demand.
Changes to the required wage threshold for migrants will also hit employers who have existing employees on work visas.
Employees holding essential skills work visas who earn less than this will now have to leave New Zealand after 3 years,
and face a stand-down period before they can apply for another visa. This means an employer will have to find and train
someone else for the role.
The salary threshold will particularly affect provincial employers who cannot meet the salary threshold to allow their
migrant worker to transition to residence.
"I believe the government is attempting to reduce the flow of migrants, and attract only the top echelon of skilled
labour who meet the new criteria for a pathway to residency. The consequences of these new restrictions will have a
severe impact on employers and New Zealand businesses in an already limited labour market." Aaron Martin, immigration law expert.
Another major change that will affect employers is that partners and children of migrants on a work visa will be given
only visitor visas. Partners and children will no longer automatically be entitled to a work or student visa themselves,
and will gain these visas if they meet the requirements in their own right, or are prepared to become international
students. This further limits the options for employers who are finding it difficult to fill lower-skilled roles.
"We’re facing a major skills shortage and now it is even more difficult to recruit from offshore. The overall impact
will be businesses will find it increasingly hard to find the talent pool that they need" says Aaron Martin.
ENDS
Further information:
Background:
Aaron Martin - Principal Immigration Lawyer at New Zealand Immigration Law
Aaron Martin is one of New Zealand's most highly regarded and experienced immigration law practitioners. He has
extensive experience assisting individuals, SMEs, and large multi-national corporate clients.
He has experience in general legal practice with over 19 years of experience and a thorough working knowledge of
relevant tax law and commercial issues facing investor category applicants and migrants wishing to establish businesses
in New Zealand.
Contact Aaron on 021 335 265
Email aaron@nzil.co.nz
NZIL - New Zealand Immigration Law
New Zealand Immigration Law is based in Avondale, Auckland.
At NZ Immigration Law provides practical expert advice on immigrating to New Zealand. Our goal is to simplify the
application process for our clients and take the guesswork out of the procedure.
We offer expert legal counsel to clients seeking immigration advice. Our passion is to use our skills and expertise in
immigration law to help make our client’s dreams a reality.
Useful links:
Link to New Zealand Immigration law’s free resources Employers guide to recruiting offshore staff