World Wide Competition for Talent and the NZ “Green List”

So you’ve found a fantastic employee offshore and their job title is on the “Green List”. 

The current policy that applies here is complex and very narrow in its interpretation. 

Green List qualification

The Green List is basically a offspring of the old “Long Term Skills Shortage List”. It lists a range of occupations outlines the “skill and knowledge” requirements the applicant must have if they want to take advantage of the benefits the Green List offers, namely no labour market testing (advertising) needed at the Job Check stage and the ability to secure residence prior to entering New Zealand or following two years of work in New Zealand.

The skill and knowledge requirements set out for each occupation are highly prescriptive and do not reflect what NZ Employers and potential candidates from offshore possess. 

Unfortunately, the Green List doesn’t reflect the reality for many workers and industries, so many of these applicants will not qualify under the Green List requirements.

This is further compounded as the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) remains suspended. In summary candidates don’t have the certainty of being able to secure residence in NZ currently. 

Additional issues

NZQA Qualification assessment may be required for Green list roles and this can be a challenging and time-consuming job.

The INZ mission is to facilitate the entry of suitable candidates into these Green list occupations, whilst the rest of the World is trying to attract these very same talent remember. This lack of certainty around long-term settlement, along with the visa process taking longer along with being more costly and complex is a huge demotivator for many talented migrants.

Conclusion

While the situation is frustrating for both offshore candidates and their New Zealand employers at present, we recommend applicants seek professional advice so they can properly determine whether there is any opportunity for their inclusion under the Green List. 

Assistance during assessment of any international qualifications, particularly if the candidate requires NZQA assessment is also advised. 

Eligibility assessment will determine whether, if the Green List is not applicable, there are other pathways that lead to residence.

A new SMC policy will provide relief to offshore candidates, who don’t meet the qualification requirements for residence (or a pathway to residence) under the Green List and their New Zealand employers. 

Hopefully this policy is developed in consultation with the private sector,. This will potentially ensure the policy is of real value relative to what other competing countries are offering to the worldwide market.

If you require assistance please don’t hesitate to contact the team at Advisa Immigration Services by emailing info@advisa.co.nz