'We expect employers to benefit from their skills,' says minister
The New Zealand government is expanding the annual quota for the UK Working Holiday Scheme (WHS) visas to up to 15,000, as changes to the programme began taking effect this month.
"This is higher than the volume of UK WHS visas we normally grant, allowing for interest and growth in the scheme," Immigration NZ said on its website.
The expansion allows more UK Brits to stay and work in New Zealand.
Under the changes, the eligible age for Working Holiday Visas have been raised to 35 years old. The changes also allow these skilled individuals to stay and work in the country for up to three years, an expansion from the previous rules where Brits were only allowed to work for up to 12 months and stay for up to 23 months.
"We expect over 3,000 young Brits currently visiting New Zealand to be able to benefit from this, and for our employers to benefit from their skills," said Immigration Minister Andrew Little in a media release.
According to Little, the visa upgrades have been implemented to support businesses and regions experiencing labour shortages.
"We've heard the concerns about skill gaps, particularly in our regions, and that's why we'll now see more UK Working Holiday makers coming to New Zealand for longer periods of time, and working for the full duration of their visas," the minister said.
In April, the government also hiked the Spain WHS quota to 2,000 places, where working holiday makers from the European country can enjoy open work rights in New Zealand for up to 12 months.
Stronger NZ-UK relations
The minister said the expanded UK WHS reflects the country's "strong relationship" with the UK, which also expanded its New Zealand Youth Mobility Scheme on June 29.
Under the expansion, Kiwis are also now allowed to stay and work for up to three years in the UK.
"These are positive changes that help to promote and facilitate access to opportunities, enabling young people to gain a better understanding of cultures and societies through travel, work and life experience overseas," Immigration NZ said on its website.