Southland’s migrant school leavers will now be able to get part-time jobs while they wait for the outcomes of their family’s residency applications.

Many young migrants in our province, who are part of a family residence application process, have until now been unable to work, often remaining on visitor visas for long periods of time because they can't afford international student fees and can't qualify for a skilled work visa.

This change, recently announced by the Government, is due to be implemented by the end of October and will allow migrant school leavers to work 20 hours a week during the school year, and 40 hours a week over the summer holiday period.

This will provide these young people with greater opportunities by increasing their access to part-time work rights.

This has been quite a contentious issue over several years here in Southland.

Many bright and talented young migrant school leavers, who have been keen to contribute and earn an income, have until now been shut out of employment opportunities because of the previous immigration rules.

I’m delighted that these changes will proceed, and I know that they will be greeted enthusiastically by many migrant school leavers, their families and their communities.

Often these young people have successfully completed a four-year secondary school education, they have excellent English language skills, and they are eager to get out into the world and continue their lives.

These changes will allow that to happen.

We want to ensure that migrants aged 17-24 who are onshore, in places like Southland, and who have completed secondary school and applied for residence can continue to contribute and live a meaningful life in our province.

This change is part of a more comprehensive work programme to create a smarter immigration system.

Getting our immigration settings right is critical for Southland’s future economic growth and in supporting this Government’s plan to rebuild the economy. 

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