Early Reopening And Adjusted Immigration Measures

• Published date: 13 May 2022
• Subject Matter: Immigration, General Immigration, Work Visas
• Law Firm: Envoy Global, Inc.
• Author: Mr Jessie Butchley

Key Points

• New Zealand's borders will reopen for tourism and all visa holders beginning 31 July 2022 
• The government of New Zealand introduced new immigration measures for foreign nationals filling traditionally difficult to fill roles 

Overview

The government of New Zealand announced that it will reopen its borders to all tourists and visa holders beginning 31 July 2022. 

The government also introduced new immigration settings, including the new Green List, which aims to attract highly skilled migrants to New Zealand by providing a new streamlined pathway to residence for roles that are difficult to fill. The list includes 85 different roles. Some of these roles include construction, engineering, trades, health workers and tech workers.

Tourism and hospitality businesses will be exempt from paying the median wage when recruiting migrants on an Accredited Employer Work Visa. Instead, these companies will be permitted to pay 25 dollars (NZD) per hour until April 2023. The government will also grant an additional six-month visa extension or a new two-year visa to holders...