'To attract digital nomads': New Zealand introduces new residency rules; attempts to woo skilled workers

NEW ZEALAND: New Zealand is making it easier for migrant workers to live and work in the country through two new residency pathways, as part of efforts to strengthen the workforce and revive the economy. Economic development minister Nicola Willis announced the changes on Tuesday, saying skilled and experienced migrants could fill critical gaps in the labour market. “Businesses told us it was too hard for some migrants to gain residence, even when they had crucial skills and significant experience that was not available in the existing workforce,” she said in a statement to The Guardian. The government’s push to attract foreign workers and investment comes amid a record number of New Zealand citizens leaving the country and shrinking GDP. The new residency pathways, set to take effect from mid-2026, include one for skilled migrants who meet relevant experience and salary thresholds, and another for tradespeople and technicians who meet qualification, work experience, and wage criteria. Immigration minister Erica Stanford said the skilled work experience pathway was created to help employers retain experienced workers “who are already contributing to New Zealand’s economy and have demonstrated value in their roles.” She added that the trades and technicians pathway recognises the practical skills needed in industries where qualifications obtained outside university are valued. Between July 2024 and July 2025, a record 73,400 New Zealanders left the country, while just 25,800 returned, according to Stats NZ. In January, the government relaxed visitor visa rules to attract “digital nomads” — remote workers and influencers paid by overseas companies — allowing them to live and work in New Zealand temporarily. February saw further easing of requirements for the Active Investor Plus visa, commonly known as the golden visa, which grants residency to wealthy foreign investors. Business New Zealand welcomed the new residency pathways, saying they would help employers retain skilled workers. Infrastructure New Zealand called for the changes to take effect sooner than mid-2026. However, minor coalition partner New Zealand First took a different stance, invoking the ‘agree to disagree’ clause in the coalition agreement. Party leader and foreign minister Winston Peters told The Guardian the government’s plan was an “unfocused immigration proposal.” “New Zealand is being used as a stepping stone into Australia,” he said. “We take them in, train them, up-skill them, look after their families, and then they emigrate.” Stats NZ data shows that 35% of New Zealand citizens who migrated to Australia in 2024 were born overseas. “We need a smart immigration system that focuses on the needs of employers in New Zealand, industry, and kiwi workers – not policies that will lead to more immigration with no plan for our next generation,” Peters added.