The New Zealand Department of Immigration’s simplified path for new migrants has resulted in more than a third of those eligible gaining a resident visa.
The one-off scheme aims to provide a way forward for migrant families and certainty for New Zealand businesses.
Minister of Immigration, Michael Wood said the 2021 Resident Visa gave migrants certainty about their future in New Zealand, allowing them to continue to put down roots.
“It is helping reunite many families who were separated by the border restrictions that prevented COVID-19 entering the community,” Mr Wood said.
He said 85,000 people out of 215,000 had their applications for the 2021 Resident Visa approved in the eight months since the application process opened, and 95 per cent of phase one applications had now been processed.
“These people have key skills for our businesses and economy, including 3,626 health workers, 6,249 construction workers and 524 teachers — people who want to be here and have certainty about their ability to stay here and make New Zealand their home,” the Minister said.
“The 2021 Resident Visa is part of the Government’s immigration rebalance, to simplify immigration settings and address immediate skill shortages in New Zealand.”
He said that over the coming months there would be thousands more critical workers committing their future to New Zealand.
“The interest in the 2021 Resident Visa has exceeded expectations,” Mr Wood said.
“It shows that New Zealand is an attractive place to live and stay for migrants who will help secure our economic future.”
Wellington, 17 August, 2022
