Skilled Migrant category changes have made it more difficult for migrants working in areas of identified Long Term Skill Shortage, to secure Residence

Changes to the points structure of the Skilled Migrant category in August 2017 have made it more difficult for those seeking to be granted Residence based on employment. These changes followed an increase in October 2016 of the points required for selection of an...

Buying a Business – the Easy Way to Residence?

Umm, no, it isn’t.  Here’s why. This post was inspired by a Herald article just before Easter, about an Indian international student who bought a café franchise with a plan to use it to get a business visa.  He did this because of the difficulties which...

In the News This Week: Partners and Overstayers

The importance of immigration to life in New Zealand is underscored by the amount of media attention it receives.  This week is no exception. Partnership Visas Still a Sore Point It started with my blog in February, which sparked some interest from Radio New Zealand...

Sexual Harassment in the Workplace – Plight of the Temporary Visa Holder

The global phenomenon that is the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements have highlighted the prevalence of sexual assault and harassment in the workplace. For what feels like the first time, victims were believed and not blamed. This empowered scores of women (and a few men)...