ANZ Bank has undergone a restructuring process that involved separating its banking and non-banking businesses and establishing a new parent company as a non-operating holding entity. Prior to the restructuring, ANZ equities were issued by the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group which is a New Zealand registered bank. The equities were, therefore an acceptable investment for immigration purposes. However, as a result of the restructuring, ANZ Bank now issues equities through a non-operating holding company called ANZ Group Holdings Limited (ANZ GHL). ANZ GHL is incorporated overseas and is not a registered bank in New Zealand, which means that the equities may no longer be considered acceptable for immigration purposes. It is important to take into account that investor, parent, and temporary retirement applicants may encounter varying impacts depending on their current stage in their immigration procedures. Would you like to talk to an adviser?
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For several years now, New Zealand has consistently been placed in the top 10 happiest countries in the world, and this year is no different. According to the 2023 World Happiness Report, New Zealand has claimed the 10th spot. This is particularly exciting news for individuals who are contemplating moving to New Zealand as it serves as a reaffirmation of what many have already come to realize: New Zealand is an excellent place to call home. The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network has released a report ranking over 150 countries based on their average life evaluations from 2020-2022. It uses six key factors including social support, income, health, freedom, generosity, and absence of corruption to determine each country's happiness level. The report also examines the happiness gap between the top and bottom halves of the population in each country ranked, highlighting that the gap is smaller in countries where almost everyone is very unhappy or in top countries where almost no one is unhappy. New Zealand scored highly in all of these areas, which is why it has consistently been ranked among the happiest countries in the world. For migrants considering a move to New Zealand, this ranking should be seen as a positive endorsement of the country's welcoming and inclusive culture, as well as its high standard of living. New Zealand has a strong economy, world-class healthcare, and a diverse range of opportunities for work and education. It is also a safe and secure country, with low crime rates and a stable political environment. For those considering a move to New Zealand, it is important to remember that the country has a strong immigration system, with clear pathways for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and investors. The country is also known for its friendly and welcoming people, which makes it easy to settle in and make new friends. Overall, New Zealand's ranking as the 10th happiest country in the world is a testament to its quality of life, strong social fabric, and commitment to well-being. For migrants considering a move, it should be seen as an endorsement of the country's many strengths and a compelling reason to explore the opportunities that New Zealand has to offer. Ready to start your immigration journey?New Zealand's Immigration Minister, Michael Wood, has announced that over 160,000 people have become New Zealand residents since the processing of 80% of 2021 Resident Visa applications has been completed. The 2021 Resident Visa is one of the measures taken by the government to address the global skills shortage caused by COVID-19. The top occupations represented among the new residents are nurses, early childhood education teachers, software engineers, and primary school teachers.
The government is working to unlock additional labour through the Accredited Employer Work Visa, the expansion of the Green List, reopening the Pacific Access Category and Samoa Quota, and resuming the Skilled Migrant Category and Parent Category. The immigration plan seems to be paying off, as there have been significant increases in migrant arrivals month on month, and international migration numbers show a steady increase. The Working Holiday Scheme has also been in high demand, with over 53,300 visas granted and over 33,900 people welcomed into the country. Although the vast majority of applications have been processed, some applicants are still waiting to hear the outcome of their applications, and INZ is working to process them as quickly as possible. Source: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/more-160000-new-kiwis-call-nz-home Are you considering a trip to New Zealand to experience the excitement of the FIFA Women's World Cup in July? If so, it's essential to prepare and obtain the necessary travel documents ahead of time. We strongly recommend applying for a visitor visa early, ideally by the end of April, to ensure enough time for processing and to avoid any potential issues that could impede your travel plans. Timely application will give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on enjoying this incredible international sporting event. If your travel itinerary involves multiple trips in and out of New Zealand – for instance, to watch games in Australia – it is crucial to specify that you require a multiple entry visa when applying for your New Zealand visitor visa. Providing this information is important, as it will be reflected in the details of your issued visa, enabling a hassle-free travel experience. For some spectators, transiting through New Zealand may be part of their journey to or from another country. In such cases, a transit visa for New Zealand may be necessary. It is also important to check the transit visa requirements for any countries you will be passing through, both en route to and from New Zealand, to ensure seamless travel and avoid any unexpected complications. In summary, planning in advance and staying informed about visa requirements is essential for individuals intending to visit New Zealand for the FIFA Women's World Cup. This will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the exhilarating atmosphere of this prestigious soccer tournament while ensuring your travel experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Source: INZ website Need visa assistance?From 1 July 2023, updates to the New Zealand Working Holiday Scheme (WHS) will allow UK citizens to travel and work in New Zealand longer. The outline of key changes for UK travelers are as follows:
• The WHV will be open to UK travellers aged 18-35 years. • UK WHV holders can stay in New Zealand for up to three years. • UK WHV holders can work the full duration of their visa and, • an annual cap of 15,000 UK Working Holiday Visas will apply. In July 2022, the UK and New Zealand Prime Ministers first announced the planned updates to the WHS, and the Youth Mobility Scheme for New Zealand travellers to the UK. The updates are a positive development for the Kiwis and Brits wanting to work and explore the other side of the world, as well as for the businesses who hire them. Required information When the total length of stay is over 12 months, UK WHV visa applicants will need to provide INZ with a medical and chest x-ray certificate. If the total length of stay is planned for 36 months, then police certificates will also be required. Current UK WHS visa holders From 1 July 2023, current UK Working Holiday visa holders will be able to apply for the new three-year maximum stay. This will also allow them to extend their stay and work for the rest of their time in New Zealand. To support their application, current UK WHS visa holders will need to provide a medical and x-ray certificate if they haven't already, as well as police certificates More information about the enhanced scheme will be available on the Immigration NZ website closer to the time. Changes have been made to immigration instructions to enable the extension of employer accreditation for all employers who apply before 4 July 2023 (provided their accreditation application is approved).
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is making changes as part of a review of the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme to improve care for workers and efficiency across the seasonal employer sector.
INZ is also working with the Government to consider additional changes to support the scheme as part of Cyclone Gabrielle recovery. From 1 March 2023: There will be a temporary freeze on accommodation cost increases. Deductions for accommodation must be equal to or less than the deductions employers previously submitted to INZ. RSE employers involved in the recruitment or management of RSE workers must complete all Employment New Zealand employer e-modules at least once during each RSE status period. INZ may contact employers at any point during the RSE period for proof that the employer e-modules have been completed. However, INZ understands it may take time to embed this requirement into their business. Effects of Cyclone Gabrielle for RSE workers Cyclone Gabrielle devastated some of the traditional seasonal work regions of New Zealand. INZ is working with its Pacific partners to help ensure RSE workers can continue to work in New Zealand if they wish to. RSE workers will:
Options for onshore RSE workers A worker on an RSE visa can work for another RSE employer in the same region for up to one month without needing to apply for another visa. Their original employer will need to agree to this and will still be responsible for them. Employers of onshore RSE workers affected by the cyclone can apply for a RSE limited visa to make it easier for their workers to move to other locations or RSE employers. With this visa they:
INZ will contact RSE employers directly with application details for the RSE limited visa. RSE applications For RSE status applications received on and after 1 March 2023, INZ will consider the effects of Cyclone Gabrielle when assessing applications. For RSE employers this will include the requirement to complete the employer e-modules. Supplementary Seasonal Employer (SSE) settings Applications for SSE work visas made on or before 31 December 2022 will be considered based on the requirements during COVID-19. Any application after this date must meet the standard requirements. Details on this can be found on the SSE application page on the INZ website. Sources: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/media-centre/news-notifications/rse-workers-affected-by-cyclone-gabrielle https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/visas/visa/supplementary-seasonal-employment-sse-work-visa NZ Facing a Looming Labour Shortage? Research Predicts Over 250,000 Workers Will be Needed by 20482/3/2023
According to a research commissioned by Business New Zealand, the country could be facing a quarter of a million worker shortage by 2048. This is an alarming figure considering the size of New Zealand's population and labour force currently. If this prediction becomes a reality, it could have dramatic effects on the economy and the quality of life for Kiwis.
Solutions to the looming crisis may include increasing immigration numbers to fill vacant jobs and encouraging more New Zealanders to enter occupations in education, engineering and healthcare – fields with overall worker numbers that are predicted to shrink from the early 2030s. On the other hand, the report also indicated that there will be an excess of workers in management and commerce, creative arts, food hospitality, and personal services in the next twenty years. According to Kirk Hope, the chief executive of Business New Zealand, it is crucial to have consistent immigration policies in place. This is because other nations facing similar demographic shifts are also exploring ways to attract more foreign workers. He added that more policy development needs to occur in enabling more diverse populations to come into the workforce and increasing the participation and employment of Māori, Pacific Islander, women and older people could help close the workforce gap. So it's not just about immigration; it’s about how we ensure that we have fit for purpose labour force for the future.", Hope said. It is clear that New Zealand needs to come up with solutions now if it wants to avoid an economic meltdown in 25 years' time. The New Zealand government and future administrations should prioritize having a dependable, straightforward immigration policy so that the country will remain an attractive destination for people from all over the world. Source: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/485085/nz-will-be-250-000-workers-short-by-2048-unless-action-taken-research-shows INZ is making it easier to bring family to New Zealand through the 2022 Special Ukraine Visa. Anyone who applies from 15 March 2023 and is granted this visa will now have 12 months to travel to New Zealand. Key points of this Visa
From 27 March the following criteria will change.
How to get the visa If you are a Ukrainian New Zealander, you can sponsor family members in Ukraine to apply for the new temporary visa. You first need to complete an expression of interest (EOI) and nominate them. Expressions of interest opened on 15 March 2022 and will close on 15 March 2024. If you are in Ukraine, once your New Zealand family member has nominated you, you can apply for the visa. If you cannot apply yourself your New Zealand family member can apply on your behalf. Who can apply To be eligible to apply for the 2022 Special Ukraine Visa, you must have family members in New Zealand who are eligible to sponsor you. You must have been living in Ukraine as at January 2022, and you must be of good health and character. Eligible family members in New Zealand can sponsor their:
To be eligible to sponsor, you must:
Here is the step-by-step application process:
If you are successful If you are invited to apply and your application is successful, you and your wider family will be offered a 2-year visa with the ability for adults to work in New Zealand and for children aged 18 and under to study in New Zealand. The family member in New Zealand who will sponsor your application will be responsible for your accommodation and living costs when you come here. If granted one of these visas, you will need to travel to New Zealand within 12 months (if applied after 15 March 2023). Free health checks When you are in New Zealand on your 2022 Special Ukraine Visa you can get a free initial health check. In this health check you can:
Source: INZ website Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is expanding the Victims of Family Violence Work Visa eligibility criteria to include partners of temporary migrants to ensure the immigration system supports migrant workers affected by family violence. Update as of 28 February 2023 Applications for the Victims of Family Violence Work Visa from people who hold a partnership-based visa with another temporary migrant can be made from 28 February 2023.
This change aims to reduce the challenges faced by migrant victims of family violence based on their visa status. Once expired they may be able to apply for an extension, a Victims of Family Violence Resident Visa or another visa. Please find the amendment circular below. How to define family violence Family violence is any abuse towards you by someone you live with, who is family or close to you, that may:
Types of abuse: Abuse can be an isolated event or a pattern of behaviour. It can be physical, sexual or psychological. It can include:
To be eligible to apply for the victims of family violence visas, you must have:
Key details:
Visas you can apply for:
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