In 2022, New Zealand received 154 000 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status), 340% more than in 2021. This figure comprises 3% immigrants benefitting from free mobility, 49% labour migrants, 47% family members (including accompanying family) and 2% humanitarian migrants. Around 10 000 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students and 141 000 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants.
India, the Philippines and China were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2022. Among the top 15 countries of origin, India registered the strongest increase (10 000) and Samoa the largest decrease (400) in flows to New Zealand compared to the previous year.
In 2023, the number of first asylum applicants increased by 410%, to reach around 1 700. The majority of applicants came from India (700), China (400) and Malaysia (200). The largest increase since 2022 concerned nationals of India (600) and the largest decrease nationals of Ukraine (‑4). Of the 610 decisions taken in 2023, 31% were positive.
Emigration of New Zealand citizens to OECD countries increased by 80% in 2022, to 15 000. Approximately 72% of this group migrated to Australia, 8% to the United Kingdom and 5% to the United States.
New Zealand has seen an increasing number of student visa applications, with 2023 numbers close to pre‑pandemic volumes, however, decline rates have increased in response to increased risk. The 2023 report commissioned by Education New Zealand found that international education’s contribution to the New Zealand economy could return to pre‑pandemic levels by 2030 despite its drastic decrease (from NZD 3.7 billion in 2019 to NZD 0.8 billion in 2022).
In November 2023, the maximum duration of an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) was extended from three years to five years to align with the introduction of the five‑year maximum continuous stay for AEWV holders. Upon reaching the end of their maximum continuous stay, they must leave New Zealand for 12 months before they can get another AEWV. In April 2024, the maximum continuous stay and visa duration was reduced for most lower skilled roles from five to three years.
New Zealand has tightened work visa rules in response to what the Minister of Immigration declared as “unsustainable net migration” levels. On 7 April 2024, changes were announced to the AEWV. These include higher work experience and qualification requirements, such as the introduction of an English language requirement for migrants applying for low-skilled roles, and a minimum skills and work experience threshold for most AEWV roles.
The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa criteria changed on 9 October 2023. The changes include a simplified points system that sets a clearer threshold for qualifying for skilled residence, and the removal of application processing limits under the category. Under the simplified points system, applicants are required to have a skilled job offer in New Zealand and meet the specified threshold of one of three skill proxies: income, recognised qualification, or occupational registration.
In January, the 2024 reopening dates for capped Working Holiday Schemes (WHS) were confirmed. Applications are open until the quota is filled, at which point the scheme will close until 2025. There are a total of 33 schemes with a total cap of 29 150 and a further 13 uncapped WHSs.
In September 2023, the government announced a wide range of changes to New Zealand’s workforce and immigration pathways. Six roles were announced to be added to the Green List (Highly Skilled Roles) in April 2024. The Recognised Seasonal Employer cap was raised by 500 to 19 500 for the 2023/24 season. The Recovery Visa closed to new applicants from 23 September 2023.
In August 2023, a residence pathway was announced for people who hold a Special Ukraine Visa and arrived in New Zealand before 15 March 2024. The Ukrainian Resident Visa opened on 16 March 2024 and will remain open for two years. Those who do not wish to apply for residency can continue to apply for Special Ukraine Visas.
In May 2024, the Immigration (Mass Arrivals) Amendment Act was passed. It addressed gaps in existing provisions intended to enable the safe and humane management of an irregular maritime mass arrival group.
For further information: www.immigration.govt.nz/
