Starting next week, October 14, 2024, New Zealand will allocate 200 visas for Chinese tourism specialists rather than tour guides as the country has decided to change caps for the China Special Work Visa by aligning it with the New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement upgrade.
Additionally, the criteria for Chinese chefs will be expanded, allowing them to qualify with a Certificate of Occupational Skill Level (COSL) Level 3 in traditional Chinese cuisine, VisaGuide.World reports.
From October 14, 2024, immigration requirements will be updated to align with the upgraded New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement. This means that 200 visas will be available to Chinese tourism specialists rather than Chinese tour guides.
New Zealand Immigration has also revealed that as of October 14, 2024, immigration requirements will be updated to reflect the revised New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement.
The 2008 New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement provided up to 800 work visas for Chinese nationals in five specific roles:
- Chinese chefs
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners
- Mandarin Teacher’s Aides
- Wushu Martial Arts Coaches
- Chinese Tour Guides
These visas are valid for a maximum of three years, after which individuals must wait outside New Zealand for three years before reapplying for a visa in this category.
The agreement was upgraded in 2018, and the changes included doubling the number of visas for Chinese tour guides from 100 to 200 and increasing those for Mandarin teachers’ aides from 150 to 300.
However, visas for traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and Wushu martial arts coaches were reduced. The category for Chinese tour guides was broadened to “Chinese tourism specialists,” simplifying the hiring process for New Zealand businesses.
New Zealand Simplifies Visa Process for Key Industries Amid Labor Shortages
New Zealand previously updated the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) to address labor shortages in certain industries. As of September 8, the government temporarily removed the minimum skill requirement for some roles in sectors like meat and seafood processing, tourism and hospitality, and care services. This policy will apply to new visa applicants with job offers under the 2024/25 cap in the meat or seafood processing industry.
Furthermore, from July 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025, ordinary passport holders from New Zealand can travel to China for business, tourism, family visits, or transit for stays of up to 15 days without a visa. However, those not eligible for this visa-free policy and holders of official passports will still need to obtain a Chinese visa before entering the country.