New Zealand Allows Part-Time Work for Young Migrants Awaiting Residence

In a significant move to support young migrants, the New Zealand government has announced new opportunities for those awaiting family residence approval, enabling them to work part-time. The policy, set to take effect in October, will allow migrant school leavers to contribute more actively to the country’s economy.

Part-Time Work Rights for Migrant Youths

Starting in October, young migrants aged 17 to 24 awaiting the outcome of their family residence applications will be eligible to work part-time, according to Immigration Minister Erica Stanford.

This initiative is designed to provide these individuals with the means to support themselves and gain valuable work experience while their applications are being processed.

“Many young migrants find themselves in limbo, unable to work while they wait for their family residence applications to be processed,” Stanford explained. “This is a crucial period in their lives, and we want to ensure they can live meaningful lives in New Zealand while contributing to the community.”

Also Read: How to Apply for a New Zealand Work Permit: A DIY Guide for 2024

Eligibility Criteria for Migrant Workers

To qualify for these new work rights, young migrants must meet specific eligibility criteria. They must be:

• An applicant on an already-lodged skilled residence visa or Dependent Child Residence Visa application.
• A holder of an eligible visitor visa as a dependent child of a Work Visa holder or a New Zealand citizen/resident.
• Aged 17 and have completed high school, or aged 18 to 24.

Once eligible, these migrants will be permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during the school year, and up to 40 hours per week during the summer holiday period. This aligns with the work rights available to Year 12 and 13 students with a Dependent Child Student Visa.

Also Read: New Zealand Expands Work Visa Options to Meet Seasonal Demand

Implementation Timeline

Immigration New Zealand expects to release detailed guidelines on how to apply for these work rights by August 30. The new policy will officially take effect by the end of October, giving eligible migrants ample time to prepare and apply.

Part of a Broader Immigration Reform

This policy change is part of a more comprehensive work programme to create a smarter immigration system. “Getting our immigration settings right is critical to this Government’s plan to rebuild the economy,” said Minister Stanford.

Also Read: New Visa Regulations in New Zealand: What Foreign Workers Need to Know

List of Eligible Residence Visas

The introduction of part-time work rights is just one aspect of New Zealand’s evolving immigration strategy. To be eligible to apply for work rights, migrants must be an applicant on an already-lodged application for one of the following residence visas:

• Dependent Child Resident Visa
• Skilled Migrant Category Visa
• Any of the Skilled Migrant Category sub-categories (Green List Straight to Residence Visa, Green List Work to Residence Visa, Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa, Transport Sector Work to Residence Visa).

This new measure will significantly benefit young migrants and their families, giving them greater financial security and more opportunities to contribute to New Zealand society.

Final Words

As New Zealand continues to refine its immigration policies, these new measures reflect a commitment to supporting young migrants and ensuring that they have the opportunity to thrive while awaiting permanent residency.