NZ govt announce 2023 Working Holiday Scheme changes

Published 11 April 2023 | 2 min read

The New Zealand government has announced significant changes to its Working Holiday Scheme (WHS), offering a six-month extension to working holidaymakers whose visas expire between April 4 and September 30. The move is part of the government's efforts to address casual workforce shortages in key industries, including tourism and hospitality, which have traditionally employed working holidaymakers. Immigration Minister Michael Wood also announced that the number of available Spanish Working Holiday Scheme places would increase from 200 to 2,000, with open work rights for up to 12 months.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on New Zealand's tourism and hospitality sectors, with border closures leading to workforce shortages. The Working Holiday Scheme has been a vital source of labor for these industries, but the pandemic has disrupted the usual flow of workers. The extension of visas for working holidaymakers already in the country and the increase in available places for Spanish workers will provide much-needed support for the industries.

While the government's decision to extend visas for working holidaymakers and increase the number of places for Spanish workers will undoubtedly provide some relief to the tourism and hospitality industries, some may argue that these measures only offer a short-term solution to a more significant problem. Critics might point out that New Zealand's reliance on foreign workers highlights a deeper issue with the country's labor market and that the government should focus on creating more permanent jobs for locals.

The Working Holiday Scheme has been a crucial part of New Zealand's labor market for several years, offering young people from around the world the opportunity to work and travel in the country. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the usual flow of workers, leading to workforce shortages in key industries. The government's decision to extend visas for working holidaymakers and increase the number of available places for Spanish workers is a response to the current situation, reflecting the government's recognition of the Scheme's importance to the economy.

Here are some key takeaways from the New Zealand government's announcement about changes to the Working Holiday Scheme:

1. Working holidaymakers currently in New Zealand with visas due to expire between now and 30 September will have their visas extended by six months.
2. These workers will also have open work rights, meaning they can work for the same employer for longer than three months.
3. The extension will affect around 7,500 working holidaymakers in the country.
4. The number of available Spanish Working Holiday Scheme places will increase from 200 to 2,000.
5. Working holidaymakers from Spain will enjoy open work rights for up to 12 months.
6. These changes will provide additional support to the tourism and hospitality industries through winter and into the next summer season.