Work visa numbers drop by more than 50% year-on-year

Work visa numbers drop by more than 50% year-on-year
High net migration numbers are starting to turn thanks to a slowing economy. (Image: Alex Burton)
Dileepa Fonseka
After months of historically high levels of immigration, New Zealand may have reached a turning point with monthly work visa numbers falling and immigration flows on the decline. The number of applications for Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWVs) has more than halved from 6,414 in April 2023 to 2,788 last month.These numbers only represent the number of people who have applied for AEWVs, not those who have been given visas.Year-on-year numbers for AEWVs have declined every month this year, falling 27% in January, 53% in February and 32%...

More Policy

Craigs' sweet spot for golden visa investors
Finance

Craigs' sweet spot for golden visa investors

Billionaires can go solo. For other wealthy investors, there's Craigs' new fund.

F&P Healthcare one step closer to new Karaka campus
Policy

F&P Healthcare one step closer to new Karaka campus

Auckland Council has approved a request to rezone nearly 90ha going to hearings.

Oliver Lewis 12 Sep 2025
Bill's effect on pokie grants ‘inconclusive’: van Velden
Policy

Bill's effect on pokie grants ‘inconclusive’: van Velden

Rugby League NZ reckons "the whole sporting system will collapse".

Gregor Thompson 11 Sep 2025
Rates capping could hit council credit ratings
Finance

Rates capping could hit council credit ratings

Treasury warns rates are ‘significantly below’ sustainable levels.

Oliver Lewis 11 Sep 2025