29 April 2002
Details of a new immigration policy - the Work-to-Residence Programme – which will assist New Zealand employers to
recruit talent from overseas, were unveiled by Immigration Minister Lianne Dalziel today.
The policy, announced last December as the government’s “Talent Visa” initiative, simplifies existing immigration rules
for skilled migrants applying to work and live in New Zealand and is part of the government’s strategy to further boost
economic performance.
The policy stems from the business community, particularly employers, calling for easier ways to tap into the global
labour market and allowing New Zealand employers to recruit talented and skilled people specific to their needs, Lianne
Dalziel said.
“The need for New Zealand’s immigration policy to attract talented people was widely discussed at the
Government-Business Forums and at major conferences such as The Knowledge Wave and Innovate. Today’s announcement is the
government’s response to this need,” Lianne Dalziel said.
“We recognise the importance to employers of retaining skilled migrants after they arrive, and the need for an efficient
process allowing easy transition to residence.
“Under the Work-to-Residence scheme, once those who are recruited by an accredited employer work here for two years,
secure a qualified offer on ongoing employment, and meet health and character requirements, they can become New Zealand
residents. It is a major advantage to attract talented people to work here. There is a simple transition to residence as
an incentive to experience New Zealand life with a guarantee that, provided the conditions of the visa are met, they can
stay if they wish,” Lianne Dalziel said.
Options included in the new Work-to-Residence programme:
Talent (Accredited Employers) Work Policy
Aimed at employers who regularly recruit talent from overseas, employers become “accredited” so that the people they
recruit can access the Talent Visa. People with job-offers from “accredited” employers have a more streamlined approvals
process for their work permits and visas. Employers apply for accreditation every 12 months and are expected to meet
criteria relating to their workplace practices and commercial viability.
Priority Occupations Work Policy
Enables employers to offer work to people in occupations that the government identifies as “priorities” because of
critical skills shortage in those occupations.
Both the Talent Visa and Priority Occupations Work Policy hinge around a salary minimum of $45,000 with the ongoing
employment offers.
The New Zealand Immigration Service (NZIS) will administer the programme, and New Zealand employers will soon to be
contacted about the new Work-to -Residence options. NZIS will also hold special workshops for employers interested in
the programme.
“I am personally writing to employers explaining how the new immigration policy can benefit them in their efforts to
attract and retain talent from the global labour market before these people are snapped up by employers from other
countries.
“The crux of the new initiatives is about quick and simple access to the global labour market. As a result, we aim to
make New Zealand more internationally competitive with the ability to capitalise on positive economic opportunities. New
Zealand will benefit from the skills and talent these people bring with them,” Lianne Dalziel said.
The policy also has provisions which allow arts, cultural and sports organisations to sponsor people with exceptional
talent in those fields.
Ends