Great news for the South, with the Government making important changes to immigration settings which will benefit the local economy and our migrant communities.

From next month (Dec 2), we are bringing back open work rights for the partners of high-skilled migrants.

This will help create a smarter immigration system which attracts and retains the skilled workers that Southland needs to grow our economy.

Partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders who are in higher-skilled jobs, earning at least 80 percent of the median wage, will now be able to work in any job in New Zealand.

The same rights will be available for partners of AEWV holders working in lower-skilled roles who are on a pathway to residence.

The previous Government’s restriction of settings caused incredible hardship and distress for migrant communities in this province.

We want New Zealand to be a welcoming and supportive place for workers and their families, so we’re putting things right.

These changes go beyond simple immigration updates. They build a system where workers, essential to our economy, feel valued.

Partners of visa holders will no longer have to deal with unnecessary red tape. They’ll have the freedom to work where and when it suits them, giving them more opportunities and making it easier for them to put down roots in the South.

Local businesses will also benefit from a more flexible workforce, filling shortages in key areas like healthcare, construction, and education. The skills these families bring will help local communities thrive.

Ultimately, these changes are designed to bring balance back to our immigration system. By making it easier for families to live and work here, we are strengthening our ability to rebuild Southland’s economy.

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