As New Zealand enters the last quarter of 2024, significant changes in immigration policies are on the horizon, reflecting the coalition government’s evolving priorities. These changes aim to streamline the immigration process while addressing public concerns about immigrant exploitation and the impact of high immigration numbers on sectors like health, teaching, housing, jobs, etc.
Central to the government’s strategy is further tightening the Accredited Employer Work Visa policy favouring New Zealand citizens and residents. This initiative seeks to position New Zealand as an attractive destination for skilled workers who can drive economic growth. By refining this visa category, the government aims to create a more efficient pathway for highly skilled individuals to enter and succeed in New Zealand’s job market without disadvantaging its citizens and residents.
Public concerns about immigrant exploitation have prompted decisive government action. With migrants vulnerable to unfair labour practices, there is a growing demand for better protection systems. The government is bolstering resources and policies to safeguard immigrant rights, ensuring New Zealand remains a welcoming and fair destination.
Recent record-high immigration numbers have strained New Zealand’s health, teaching, housing, and job markets. In response, the government is considering visa-setting adjustments to manage new resident influxes better. Potential changes to the various visa categories aim to ease health, teaching, and housing sectors and better job market opportunities while supporting economic growth.
In 2024, policy changes are anticipated to balance the demand for skilled workers with public concerns about immigration’s wider effects. A notable change is the increase in visa application fees, effective from October 1, 2024. This adjustment aims to fund improved immigration services and lessen the taxpayer burden, thereby generating significant revenue to strengthen the immigration system’s capacity.
The government’s 2024 approach seeks to balance fostering a robust economy through immigration with addressing public concerns. By focusing on skilled migration, protecting immigrants, and managing impacts on teaching, health, roads etc, New Zealand positions itself as a leader in sustainable immigration policy.
As these changes unfold, New Zealanders and prospective migrants must stay informed about how these policies will affect them. Ongoing dialogue between the government and the stakeholders is essential in shaping a future where immigration remains a cornerstone of New Zealand’s growth and cultural richness.
Vandana Rai is a Senior Licensed Immigration Adviser and has built a reputation around her rare set of skills, which could be considered ideal for her legal profession.