News
Immigration policy nip and tuck
As of 27 July 2009, a number of changes to New Zealand’s immigration policy will become effective. These are mainly minor, but some may have an impact on UK migrants.
Firstly, the Essential Skills work policy has been amended to limit the visa and permit length to one year for lower-skilled workers. A note has also been added to the visa stating that self-employment does not meet the Essential Skills policy objectives.
Secondly, a special Visitor policy has been introduced for work permit holders who have received a dismissal notice within the 90-day trial period – an amendment driven by current economic conditions.
Minor changes have been made to the Skilled Migrant Category, primarily an amendment to remove references to probationary registration for medical practitioners, and the List of Skilled Occupations and Long Term Skill Shortage List have been altered to align them with the revised version of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). Changes include the addition of new occupations, occupation title chances and the addition of specialisations within occupations. Furthermore, a new policy called Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) has been introduced to replace the Transitioning to Recognised Seasonal Employer (TRSE) policy.
Finally, all working holidaymakers may now undertake more than one course of study, although this must not exceed three months in total during their stay. Working holidaymakers from Canada, Germany, Japan, the UK, and Taiwan may study more than one course not exceeding six months in total.
09 September 2009