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IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? New Zealand has implemented changes to the skills shortage lists that are used to determine which jobs may be filled by foreign workers without conducting labour market testing.
What does the change mean? Seven occupations have been added, and two removed from, the Immediate Skill Shortage List (ISSL). Seven occupations have been removed from the Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL). The changes could affect foreign nationals who are seeking residence in New Zealand through the Skilled Migrant Category.
Background: Immigration New Zealand announced the changes on 9 February and they took effect this week. The following occupations have been added to the Immediate Skill Shortage List:
Registered Nurse (Mental Health) and Upholsterer have been removed from the ISSL.
Seven occupations were removed from the LTSSL: Registered Nurse (Aged Care), Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency), Registered Nurse (Medical), Registered Nurse (Perioperative), Ship’s Engineer, Ship’s Master and Ship’s Officer. Authorities have said that Registered Nurse (Aged Care) will be added to the ISSL for all regions of New Zealand. The complete skills shortage lists are available on INZ’s online Skills Shortage List Checker.
BAL Analysis: Employers should consult the full lists, which are regularly reviewed and updated, when planning to recruit or hire foreign nationals.
This alert has been provided by BAL Australia. For additional information, please contact australia@bal.com.
Licence Number: 201500714
Copyright © 2017 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
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