New Zealand

• All Immigration Advisers must now be licensed

4 May 2010 - The introduction of mandatory offshore licensing for people providing immigration advice about New Zealand means there is greater [more...]

• Survey shows migrants are good workers - minister

13 April 2010 - Eighty-seven per cent of employers who responded to a Department of Labour survey rated their migrant employees as good or very good workers [more...]

• Changes to policy taking effect 29 March 2010

29 March 2010 - A number of changes to Immigration New Zealand's operational policy take effect on 29 March 2010 [more...]

All Immigration Advisers must now be licensed

4 May 2010 –

The introduction of mandatory offshore licensing for people providing immigration advice about New Zealand means there is greater protection for migrants, Registrar of Immigration Advisers Barry Smedts said today.

From today, all advisers providing advice about New Zealand immigration matters must be licensed unless they are exempt, no matter where in the world they provide that advice.

"Immigration adviser applicants are asked to complete a rigorous, evidence-based assessment process before I am satisfied that they meet the standard required of a licensed adviser.  The assessment is based around seven core competencies which reflect the professional standard we expect of them," Mr Smedts said.

The competencies are: relevant qualifications; knowledge of immigration advisers licensing scheme; knowledge of immigration law and policy in New Zealand; ability to lodge applications and appeals; English language proficiency; professional, ethical and responsible business practices; and maintenance of professional development activities.

"One of the primary motivators for introducing a mandatory licensing regime in New Zealand was to promote and protect the interests of migrants to New Zealand and to ensure they have confidence in the standard of immigration advice they receive. 

"Licensed advisers based offshore are required to abide by the code of conduct in the same way that licensed advisers in New Zealand are. It is important to remember that the code has been set according to what is expected in engaging with the New Zealand immigration system.  People who cannot meet those standards for any reason have no business in offering services related to New Zealand’s immigration system.

"If advisers can't meet the professional and ethical standards set by the New Zealand government, they don't belong in this industry."

All licensed advisers must display the Licensed Advisers Code of Conduct in a prominent place at their place of business.  Clients should also ask to see their adviser’s individual wallet card ID.  Penalties for breaches of the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act include up to seven years imprisonment and/or fines up to $NZ100,000 for unlicensed advisers.

There are currently 414 licensed immigration advisers, of which 132 are based outside New Zealand. 

Source: Immigration Advisors Authority www.iaa.govt.nz

Survey shows migrants are good workers - minister

13 April 2010 –

Eighty-seven per cent of employers who responded to a Department of Labour survey rated their migrant employees as good or very good workers.

The survey, completed late last year, questioned 424 employers who had had contact with Immigration New Zealand.

It assessed the benefits and issues associated with employing migrants.

Over a third of the employers reported the migrant workers had skills and experience not available in New Zealand, Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman said.

The survey also found one in five employers felt there were no particular challenges to hiring a migrant.
The positive impact of migrant workers on the economy was "immense", Dr Coleman said.

"Migrant workers play a major role in the economy and this survey reinforces the value they provide to employers," he said.

Source: New Zealand Herald, http://www.nzherald.co.nz

Changes to policy taking effect 29 March 2010

29 March 2010 -

A number of changes to Immigration New Zealand's operational policy take effect on 29 March 2010.

New Silver Fern work policies

The Silver Fern policies will target young, highly skilled people from overseas, and allow them to enter New Zealand to find skilled employment. They include:

• Silver Fern Job Search Policy
• Silver Fern Practical Experience Policy.

There are 300 places available each year, beginning 27 April 2010.The quota will be managed by an online application system.

Working holiday schemes

Changes to working holiday schemes (WHSs) include:

• The introduction of WHSs for young citizens of Spain and Slovenia
• Change in the age limit of the Canada WHS (from 18-30 to 18-35 years)
• Japanese working holidaymakers are no longer restricted to a maximum of three months working for the same employer
• Applicants for the Argentina, Chile, and Taiwan WHS may now only apply using the online application system
• Increase in the number of places available to young citizens of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Source: Immigration New Zealand, http://www.immigration.govt.nz