**NZ Eases Residency Path for Skilled Migrants to Boost Economy**
*By Snehil Singh | Sep 23, 2025, 06:43 pm*
The New Zealand government has announced two new residency pathways for skilled migrants as part of its efforts to stimulate economic growth. Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis emphasized that these changes aim to address workforce gaps and support business expansion.
“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. We’re fixing it,” Willis stated.
### New Residency Pathways for Skilled Workers
The new residency options target skilled workers, tradespeople, and technicians. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate relevant work experience both overseas and within New Zealand. They will also need to meet specific salary thresholds to be eligible under the new criteria.
This initiative comes at a critical time, as New Zealand’s economy has experienced negative growth in three of the last five quarters.
### Government Economic Measures
In addition to easing residency requirements, the government has introduced several policies aimed at supporting the struggling economy, including measures to boost foreign investment. While the country has seen positive net migration since reopening its borders in 2022, migrant numbers have decreased from previous highs. This decline is largely attributed to a record number of New Zealanders leaving the country.
### Opposition from Coalition Partner
Not everyone supports the new immigration policy. New Zealand First, a coalition partner in the government, has expressed strong opposition to the changes. Party leader and Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters described the policy as an “unfocused immigration proposal,” warning that “New Zealand is being used as a stepping stone into Australia.”
According to *The Guardian*, citing Stats NZ data, 35% of New Zealand citizens who migrated to Australia in 2024 were born outside the country, highlighting concerns about migration patterns and their impact on the local workforce.
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The government’s latest move reflects its commitment to filling critical skill shortages and revitalizing economic growth, but it remains to be seen how these changes will play out amid political opposition and ongoing migration trends.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/nz-eases-residency-path-for-skilled-migrants-to-boost-economy/story