New Zealand is making it easier for migrant workers to come and live in the country, in its latest attempt to bolster the workforce and economy.<\/p>\n
Announcing two new residency pathways, the minister for economic growth, Nicola Willis, on Tuesday said skilled and experienced migrants could help plug gaps in the workforce.<\/p>\n
\u201cBusinesses told us it was too hard for some migrants to gain residence, even when they had crucial skills and significant experience that was not available in the existing workforce,\u201d she said in a statement.<\/p>\n
The push for foreign workers and investment comes at a time when record numbers of New Zealanders are leaving<\/a> the country and amid shrinking GDP<\/a>.<\/p>\n The residency pathways will be introduced from mid-2026. One pathway is for migrants in skilled roles who meet relevant experience and salary thresholds. The second is for migrants in trades and technical roles who meet qualification, work experience and wage thresholds.<\/p>\n Immigration minister Erica Stanford said the skilled work experience pathway was designed to help employers retain experienced workers \u201cwho are already contributing to New Zealand\u2019s economy and have demonstrated value in their roles\u201d.<\/p>\n The trades and technicians pathway recognises the practical skills needed in industries where qualifications obtained outside university are used and valued, she said.<\/p>\n New Zealand citizens are leaving the country in record numbers. Between July 2024-2025, 73,400 New Zealanders left, compared with 25,800 returning home to live, according to Stats NZ.<\/p>\n In January, the government relaxed its visitor visa rules <\/a>to attract so-called \u201cdigital nomads\u201d\u2013 people who work remotely while travelling \u2013 to work in New Zealand. The visa extends to influencers, as long as they are being paid by an overseas company.<\/p>\n