Changes to the Working Holiday Visa program are announced by the Immigration New Zealand
The alterations are an attempt to remedy worker shortages in some industries.
As part of the planned modifications to the Working Holiday Scheme, visitors to New Zealand on a working holiday will have their visas extended. (WHS).
Minister of Immigration Michael Wood has announced a six-month visa extension for foreign nationals whose current visas expire between April 4 and September 30.
They will have open work rights, according to Wood, allowing them to be employed by the same company for longer than the three months allowed under the law at the time.
The minister claims that this adjustment will make it possible for the 7,500 working holidaymakers now in New Zealand to maintain their casual employment or move freely throughout the country in search of better opportunities.
Working holidaymakers have typically been hired by the tourist and hospitality industries, so this shift will help alleviate a shortfall there, Wood said.
On the other hand, beginning on April 13 the government is increasing Spain's WHS allotment from 200 to 2,000 spaces.
Spanish citizens on "working holidays" will have open employment rights for a year, according to Wood.
According to Immigration NZ, visa holders in New Zealand cannot work for more than six months at a time, and cannot work for the same employer for more than three months.
According to Wood, the "reciprocal agreement" with the Spanish government is what led to the WHS expansion in Spain.
Recently, New Zealand increased the age limit of its UK Working Holiday Scheme to 35, and it now permits British citizens to stay and work in the country for up to three years.
The "crucial role" of working vacation visas is acknowledged by the government, says Wood, particularly in the tourist, hospitality, agriculture, and horticulture sectors of the New Zealand economy.
Over 52,000 working holiday visas have been issued by the government so far, and nearly 36,500 people have entered the country since it reopened its borders, as reported by Wood.
However, "we know demand is ongoing," so Wood emphasized the importance of making the area as appealing as possible for visitors and residents alike.
