Changes seek to address workforce shortages in various sectors
Working holiday makers in New Zealand will see their visas extended as the government announced changes to its Working Holiday Scheme (WHS).
As unveiled by Immigration Minister Michael Wood, those visitors whose visas are expiring between April 4 and September 30 will receive a six-month extension.
"They will also have open work rights, meaning they can work for the same employer for longer than three months, where maximum work durations currently apply," Wood said.
This change will allow 7,500 working holiday markers in New Zealand to continue working casual jobs or travel around the country to find work, according to the minister.
"This change will help address casual workforce shortages in tourism and hospitality industries, two sectors that have traditionally employed working holiday makers," Wood said.
Meanwhile, the government is also hiking the Spain WHS quota from 200 to 2,000 places starting April 13.
"Working holiday makers from Spain will enjoy open work rights for up to 12 months," Wood said.
Currently, visa holders in New Zealand are not allowed to work for more than a total of six months and are not permitted to work for the same employer for more than three months, according to Immigration NZ.
The expanded Spain WHS follows "reciprocal agreement" with the Spanish government, said Wood.
New Zealand also recently raised the age cap of its UK Working Holiday Scheme to 35 years old, while also allowing Brits to stay and work in the country for up to three years.
According to Wood, the government recognises the "crucial role" of working holiday visa in the New Zealand economy, especially for industries like tourism, hospitality, agriculture, and horticulture.
The country has approved over 52,000 working holiday visas so far, with nearly 36,500 working holiday makers entering the country since it reopened its borders, according to Wood.
"But we know demand is ongoing, so we want to make travelling and staying on here as attractive as possible," Wood said.
