Border reopening anniversary

It has been just over a year since New Zealand reopened its border. A lot has happened in the immigration space over the last year including:

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• Over 76,000 Accredited Employer Work Visas issued.

• More than 74,000 Student Visas issued.

• 1,517,930 Electronic Travel Authorities approved for people who can enter NZ visa free.

• 339,218 Visitor Visas approved.

• 65,056 Working Holiday Visas issued.

• Over 205,000 people granted residence under the 2021 Resident Visa category.

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While these statistics point to the immigration system recovering there is a worrying trend of pathways to residence closing. Of course no one should expect by right they will be granted residence but clear pathways to residence help attract the highly skilled and talented workforce New Zealand needs to keep rebuilding the economy.

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