New Zealand loosens residency restrictions as record numbers of citizens leave
Briefly

New Zealand loosens residency restrictions as record numbers of citizens leave
"Businesses told us it was too hard for some migrants to gain residence, even when they had crucial skills and significant experience that was not available in the existing workforce, she said in a statement. The push for foreign workers and investment comes at a time when record numbers of New Zealanders are leaving the country and amid shrinking GDP. The residency pathways will be introduced from mid-2026."
"One pathway is for migrants in skilled roles who meet relevant experience and salary thresholds. The second is for migrants in trades and technical roles who meet qualification, work experience and wage thresholds. Immigration minister Erica Stanford said the skilled work experience pathway was designed to help employers retain experienced workers who are already contributing to New Zealand's economy and have demonstrated value in their roles."
Two residency pathways will be introduced from mid-2026 to attract skilled migrants and tradespeople. One pathway targets migrants in skilled roles who meet relevant experience and salary thresholds. The second targets migrants in trades and technical roles who meet qualification, work experience and wage thresholds. The skilled work experience pathway aims to help employers retain experienced workers already contributing to New Zealand’s economy and demonstrating value in their roles. The trades and technicians pathway recognises practical skills and qualifications obtained outside university. The measures respond to record emigration, shrinking GDP, and recent visa relaxations for digital nomads and wealthy investors. Between July 2024 and 2025, 73,400 New Zealanders left while 25,800 returned, increasing pressure on the labour supply.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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