Authorities in New Zealand have introduced new changes to the immigration rules, from which thousands of extra workers can benefit, Immigration Minister Michael Wood pointed out in this regard.
Such changes came after the significant increase in unemployment rates, which brought to light the shortages in key sectors like hospitality as well as tourism and VisaGuide.World reports.
According to the Immigration Minister, the government is attempting to double the numbers under the working holiday visa program. Such a scheme permits internationals to enter New Zealand to enter and from New Zealand for more than 12 months, or even more if they’re from specific countries such as the United Kingdom or Canada.
Authorities in New Zealand hope to bring to the country a total of 12,000 extra workers over the year.
“These measures are about providing immediate relief to those businesses hardest hit by the global worker shortage,” Wood pointed out in this regard.In addition, according to Wood, there would be an easing of wage rules for skilled internationals in key sectors like construction, care, infrastructure, and tourism, among others. The Minister announced a temporary extension of working holiday visas for a period of six months as well as the opportunity for those who previously obtained the visa but didn’t travel to New Zealand due to the virus. Authorities in New Zealand previously closed their borders almost completely during the COVID pandemic. The figures provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) show that New Zealand has registered a total of 1,702,608 cases of COVID-19 infection since the start of the pandemic, while a total of 2,679 people have died during the same period. Besides, the figures provided by WHO also show that New Zealand registered 2,846 cases of COVID-19 infection in the last 24 hours, while as of August 5, there were a total of 11,533 vaccine doses administered in this country. Recently, authorities in New Zealand opened their borders to international visitors after keeping them closed for nearly two years in a bid to halt the further spread of the virus. The COVID-related restrictions imposed by authorities in New Zealand were considered among the strictest ones. However, the country’s reopening was completed on July 31, which means that now, all tourists, as well as students are eligible to enter the country without being obliged to follow entry rules upon their arrival. New Zealand to Open Borders to International Travelers Earlier Than Expected