Immigration in 2023

The Minister of Immigration late last year said his priorities for this year were:

·       Completing the review of the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC).

·       Review the partnership policy (that is partners of NZ citizens or residents).

The Minister also indicted that he wants to relook at whether the Green List is fit for purpose. He thought industry continually lobbying for occupations to be added to the Green List nz may not be the best way (in his view) to manage immigration into the future.

If proposals outlined in the SMC consultation document proceed, we will see people with PhDs leap frog nurses, doctors, teachers and trades in the queue to gain residence. Equally concerning is the plan to restrict work visas to a maximum of three years for people who do not qualify for residence (the new SMC will make gaining residence much harder). These proposals may result in New Zealand becoming a far less attractive place for skilled workers to consider when the rest of the world is battling for talent by opening their immigration gates.

Still waiting on news whether tighter work visa rules for partners of work visa holders will proceed in April 2023. No sign of any consultation with industry so far.

We are also waiting on detail of the limited opportunity for bus and truck drivers to qualify for residence.

The number of immigration policy changes rolled out since 2020 have been massive and unprecedented. We expect more change in 2023 but hopefully with more consultation with industry to help shape workable immigration polices. Our newsletter will keep you up to date.

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