The Restaurant Association is welcoming the Government’s announcement of changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.
“We have long advocated for pathways to attract, recruit and retain overseas talent to help bolster our skills shortage in the short term,” says Marisa Bidois, Chief Executive of the Restaurant Association.
“We’re disappointed to have to wait almost nine months for the government to implement the changes. However, these pathways will ensure that those with a wealth of experience in crucial roles can help to upskill our domestic hospitality workforce by sharing their skills, without worrying about expiring visas.”
The Skilled Work Experience pathway will provide a pathway to residency for migrants in skilled roles who have gained at least five years of directly relevant work experience, including at least two years of experience in New Zealand where employers have paid them at least 1.1 times the median wage.
“Staffing challenges and skills shortages, particularly for senior roles, have consistently been one of the most pressing issues raised by our members over recent years” says Marisa.
“We also identified pathways to residency as a key priority at our 2024 Hospitality Summit, which provided a comprehensive roadmap for addressing key challenges facing New Zealand’s hospitality industry, so the government’s decision to make these changes pleases us.”
The Restaurant Association will closely monitor the implementation of these changes over the coming months to ensure they fit their purpose and serve the needs of the hospitality industry.