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Queenstown relaxes immigration rules
In an attempt to encourage more skilled labour to Queenstown, Immigration New Zealand has said it will be relaxing the requirements for overseas job applicants. Previously employers wishing to employ a worker from another country have had to prove the job had been offered to New Zealand nationals or residents first.
However, until the end of June this requirement is to be suspended in an effort to combat the drastic labour shortages in Queenstown. The move comes as the hospitality industry complained that the need to advertise jobs to New Zealanders before offering them to foreign workers was delaying the recruitment process.
Although many hospitality managers have welcomed the news, Service and Foodworkers Union spokesperson Jill Evans claims the move could set a dangerous precedent. She added that a change in the regulations could also drive down the wages of hospitality employees in the city.
In other news the Vision 2015 project rolled out by INZ has seen its budget grow from NZ$104.8 million to NZ$108.1 million. When the project was originally announced the budget was just NZ$80 million.
An INZ spokesman said the additional cash was needed to pay for the introduction of a system that will allow doctors to digitally submit medical records for visa applicants from around the globe.
However, until the end of June this requirement is to be suspended in an effort to combat the drastic labour shortages in Queenstown. The move comes as the hospitality industry complained that the need to advertise jobs to New Zealanders before offering them to foreign workers was delaying the recruitment process.
Although many hospitality managers have welcomed the news, Service and Foodworkers Union spokesperson Jill Evans claims the move could set a dangerous precedent. She added that a change in the regulations could also drive down the wages of hospitality employees in the city.
In other news the Vision 2015 project rolled out by INZ has seen its budget grow from NZ$104.8 million to NZ$108.1 million. When the project was originally announced the budget was just NZ$80 million.
An INZ spokesman said the additional cash was needed to pay for the introduction of a system that will allow doctors to digitally submit medical records for visa applicants from around the globe.
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