Building and construction visas proposed

Immigration

Update

The Minister of Immigration has proposed changes to immigration policy to make it easier for the building and construction industry to employ migrants.

Impetus for change?

A shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry is making it difficult to build the houses and infrastructure that New Zealand really needs.

The Minister has estimated that the building and construction industry is about 30,000 workers short. With the Government's Kiwibuild plans soon to commence, this number is expected to rise.

What is proposed?

1. The introduction of a "KiwiBuild Skills Shortage List", which would identify specific construction industry shortage roles and remove the need for labour market testing.