New Zealand recently said that young migrants between 17 and 24 years old, waiting to know if they can stay with their families, can soon work part-time.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford shared this news in a report by TravelBiz.
The New Zealand government introduced this new rule to help those waiting for family residence approval, giving them a chance to work part-time.
This new rule will start in October. It aims to help young migrants and their families earn money and be part of the community while waiting. This will also help New Zealand’s economy.
A Step for the Future
This new rule is to help young migrants support themselves and get work experience while their applications are being looked at.
“Many young migrants can’t work while they wait for their family residence applications,” Stanford said. “This is an important time in their lives, and we want them to live meaningful lives in New Zealand and contribute to the community.”
Immigration New Zealand will give more details on how to apply for these work rights by August 30, and the new rule will start by the end of October.
Who Can Apply
To apply for these new work rights, young migrants need to:
- Be waiting on a decision for a skilled residence visa or Dependent Child Residence Visa.
- Have a visitor visa as a dependent child of a Work Visa holder or a New Zealand citizen/resident.
- Be 17 years old and have finished high school or be 18 to 24 years old.
These young migrants can work up to 20 hours a week during the school year and up to 40 hours a week during summer holidays. This is the same as Year 12 and 13 students with a Dependent Child Student Visa.
Important Details
This change is part of a bigger plan to improve the immigration system. “Getting our immigration settings right is crucial to rebuilding the economy,” Stanford said.
As New Zealand changes its immigration rules, these updates bring hope and allow young migrants to help the country’s economy and society.