The Government has recently reviewed the INZ Essential Skills in Demand Lists. The revised lists came into effect on 11 February 2013, and could have a direct impact upon your business if you recruit from abroad.
In most cases, if an occupation is not on one of these lists, in order to support a work visa application, an employer would have to make a genuine attempt to recruit a New Zealander. This includes demonstrating that there are no New Zealanders available, or readily trainable for that role. If the employment is in the Canterbury region, you may also need to list with the Canterbury Skills & Employment Hub (CSEH) before a work visa can be issued. Therefore it is worthwhile considering this when planning recruitment timeframes.
The review has resulted in the removal of, and changes to, some of the requirements for the occupations listed. There are three separate lists: Long Term Skill Shortages (LTSSL); Immediate Skill Shortages (ISSL); and the Canterbury Skill Shortage List. The Canterbury List has not changed, however, an update is due in March 2013.
The majority of changes were made to the LTSSL. This list identifies occupations where there is a sustained shortage of skilled workers, both globally and throughout New Zealand. A migrant who is offered employment in an occupation on this list may be granted a work visa, as long as he or she meets the qualification and skills requirements, without the employer having to undertake recruitment efforts, as described above. Only one occupation has been added to the LTSSL, but 13 occupations have been removed. Almost all of those removed are in the medical profession. The removed positions include nurse researchers; nurse managers; nurse practitioners; and some registered nurse positions.
The ISSL identifies an immediate shortage of skilled workers in New Zealand, and/or specific regions. Migrants may be issued with work visas, without the employer proving recruitment efforts, if they meet the skills criteria. Three occupations have been removed from this list: Ambulance Officer; Fruit or Nut Grower and Motorcycle Mechanic. Another three are due to be removed by the end of the year, namely Cafe/Restaurant Manager; Motor Mechanic; and Truck Driver.
The decision to remove these occupations follows consultation with industry groups, along with analysis of other immigration and labour data. Of course, employers can still recruit migrants in these occupations. However, they will now need to demonstrate genuine attempts to recruit suitable New Zealanders. Also, it is likely INZ will conduct a labour market test, or contact the CSEH, to establish to its satisfaction, that no New Zealanders are available, or readily trainable, before they will issue work visas.
So, if you’re looking to recruit from overseas into any of the above positions, it would be prudent to look into these changes and be aware of how this will impact on your potential employees, during the visa process.
Caroline Edwards, Senior Immigration Adviser , Lane Neave Lawyers
Caroline is a British national who has extensive experience of the legal sector having worked in the industry for many years in London. Caroline processes a wide range of immigration applications in her role. Her main focus is on assisting applicants under the skilled migrant category and particularly those applicants applying for residence from the UK and South Africa.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and not intended as a substitute for specific professional advice on any matter and should not be relied upon for that purpose.