Decrease in number of skilled migrants applying for NZ residency

The number of skilled migrants in New Zealand applying for NZ residency has decreased by almost 50% in the last six months. This has occurred after New Zealand implemented new rules for immigration.

The ex-Immigration Minister of New Zealand Michael Woodhouse had aimed for a decrease of 5% in numbers of residents. However, the actual numbers are more than one third, as quoted by the Radionz Co NZ.

The former New Zealand government had announced the new rules for the work visa in April 2017. But it decreased the minimum salary ceiling when it was launched in the run-up to the general elections.

Statistics of Immigration New Zealand revealed 4644 skilled migrants applied for NZ Residency between April-October 2017. This was almost 50% lesser than the 9150 applications filed in the same period in 2016.

Overall approvals for residents fell by 3700 in the same period. It includes other categories such as partnerships. If the current trend continues, the NZ Resident numbers will be 29,000 for the current financial year. It was 47, 684 in the previous financial year. This equates to a decrease of 39%.

The current levels are highly lower compared to the 5% target of the former Immigration Minister. He had said this while announcing the review in October 2016. He had set the range for approvals of residents between 85,000 and 95,000 for 2 years. This was lesser compared to the earlier range of 90,000 and 100,000.

The then Immigration Minister had enhanced the points for residence to 160. It was an increase of 20 points when compared to existing points for SMC category. He also closed down the parent category temporarily.

INZ said that Ministry of Employment, Innovation, and Business has been reviewing the Parent and family visa policies. The new government will take a decision whether this should continue.

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