Govt softens proposed skilled migrant changes

Govt softens proposed skilled migrant changes
The govt has announced its final proposals for immigration changes. (Image: Getty)
Dileepa Fonseka
The government has rebalanced some of its planned skilled migrant category changes away from an earlier version of the policy which looked like it could remove pathways to residency for some large categories of skilled migrants.Final proposals have also extended the amount of time a person will be able to stay in the country on an accredited employer work visa from three years to five. After this period they will have to leave the country for at least 12 months. Immigration minister Michael Wood said the new changes would help fill worker...

More Policy

Seymour promotes coal, nuclear, and privatisation
Policy

Seymour promotes coal, nuclear, and privatisation

Burning some coal to enable more renewable power "not a bad deal".

Pattrick Smellie 05 Nov 2025
EPA head quits with fast-track changes
Policy

EPA head quits with fast-track changes

The latest fast-track reforms go far beyond supermarket resource consenting.

DoC admits error: no decisions yet on stewardship land
Policy

DoC admits error: no decisions yet on stewardship land

The annual report mistake says announcements were made ... they weren't.

Ian Llewellyn 05 Nov 2025
Leaky buildings tribunal to wind up
Policy

Leaky buildings tribunal to wind up

Time called on tribunal, the problems remain.

Ian Llewellyn 04 Nov 2025