New Zealand Liberalises Mobility Norms, Extends Work Visas for Indian Students and Professionals

New Zealand and India have finalised a trade agreement that enhances mobility provisions, benefiting Indian students and professionals. The deal allows 5,000 Indian professionals, including yoga instructors and chefs, to work in New Zealand. Indian students will also gain access to extended post-study work visas. This agreement marks a significant step in strengthening ties between the two nations.

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The Union Cabinet approved the trade pact last week, and it awaits ratification by New Zealand's parliament. The agreement is anticipated to be signed and implemented within seven to eight months. Notably, this is the first time New Zealand has included an annexure on student mobility and post-study work visas with any country. This annexure offers no numerical caps and guarantees 20 hours of weekly work rights for Indian students.

Mobility Provisions for Students and Professionals

Under the new agreement, Indian students pursuing degree courses in New Zealand can obtain a two-year work visa. Those completing a bachelor's degree with honours or graduating in STEM fields are eligible for a three-year visa. Postgraduate students can secure a four-year work visa. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted these benefits during a recent announcement.

The pact introduces a Skilled Employment Pathways through a Temporary Employment Entry Visa for Indian professionals in skilled occupations. This pathway allows up to 5,000 visas at any given time, with a maximum stay of three years. It complements existing visa options like the Accredited Employer Work Visa and Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.

Additional Opportunities and Sectors

New Zealand will issue multiple-entry Working Holiday Visas for 1,000 young Indians annually, valid for 12 months. The agreement also includes an annexure on health and traditional medicine services, facilitating trade in these sectors. This is the first such annexure New Zealand has signed with any country globally.

For pharmaceuticals, there will be a fast-track approval mechanism for Indian products, enhancing market access in New Zealand. This move aims to increase India's share of New Zealand's pharmaceutical imports. Goyal emphasised the potential for capturing a larger market share through this streamlined process.

Service Sector Commitments

New Zealand has opened 118 services sectors/sub-sectors such as telecom and audio-visual services under the agreement. In return, India has offered 106 services sectors/sub-sectors. These commitments aim to boost bilateral trade in services between the two countries.

Currently, approximately 12,000 Indian students are enrolled in various courses across New Zealand. The new provisions are expected to enhance their educational experience by providing more opportunities for work and professional growth post-graduation.

This trade pact not only broadens existing visa categories but also establishes a preferential channel linked to the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) for temporary employment. It aims to strengthen economic ties while expanding opportunities for both nations' citizens.

With inputs from PTI