The New Zealand government has introduced the recovery visa for migrant workers. New Zealand’s Recovery Visa is a move to cope with the damage done by cyclone Gabrielle. Nature can be cruel sometimes. The devastating incident happened in February 2023. Affecting a large number of people, communities, and individuals. Our heart goes out to those who are affected. Such big-scale losses often take a longer time to recover. New Zealand’s Recovery Visa is a highly appreciative move taken by the government to deal with the aftereffects of the cyclone. The new proposal will speed up the recovery process.
The new visa falls under the specific purpose visa category. The recipient of the visa will be able to stay and work in the country for six months. However, these visas will be provided to applicants capable of working in specific fields listed below.
- providing emergency response
- immediate clean-up work
- assessing risk or loss
- infrastructure, building, and housing stabilization
- repairs and work that directly supports the recovery (e.g. producing relevant material for road rebuild, transport drivers, etc.)
What is cyclone Gabrielle?
Cyclone Gabrielle hit New Zealand hard with strong wind and heavy rain in mid of the last month. The cyclone had a devastating effect on New Zealand. It caused heavy floods and landslides in the affected region. It impacted the entire nation with the North Island being the most affected one. Thousands were left without electricity, flights were halted and heavy infrastructural damage was seen across the nation.
The government declared a state of emergency which was only the third in the history of the nation. Such was the impact of the cyclone.
The Importance of Migrant Workers in New Zealand
Migrant workers have a significant role in New Zealand’s economy. They work in various industries across the nation. In 2022, the New Zealand government announced its plans to increase the number of migrant workers in the country by 10,000. This was in response to labor shortages in these industries, which were aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The migrants will now be able to enter the nation with immediate effect to work in ongoing support endeavors.
Although the government does have any plans to extend the six months of recovery visa. If the beholder makes promising progress during their tenure, then the authorities expect to convert their recovery visa into a long-term employer-accredited work visa, which will enable them to work and stay in the country. Although the same has not been made official yet.
Conclusion.
While the country is dealing with horrible natural incidents. The nation is open for the rest of the world to come and contribute to its recovery. The government is planning to provide visas within seven days to eligible candidates. This is a great opportunity to enter New Zealand and contribute to a good cause while boosting your chances for a New Zealand residence.
