Following the lead of Australia and Canada, New Zealand has introduced stricter visa regulations aimed at regulating immigration numbers by raising the criteria for job qualifications in the country.

New Zealand said on Sunday (Apr 7) that it was immediately making changes to its Accredited Employer Worker Visa (AEWV) following a near-record migration last year which it said was "unsustainable."

While the effectiveness of these newly added criteria is uncertain, the measures are expected to affect Indians seeking employment in New Zealand.&nbsp;

The updated requirements includes English proficiency, work experience, and skill criteria, while also reducing the duration of stay permitted with a work permit. Through this overhaul of the immigration system, the New Zealand government aims to manage the influx of migrants it deems "unsuitable" for entry into the country.

Notably, there has been a stable rise in the number of Indians in New Zealand. As per the 2018 New Zealand census, Indians made up about 4.7 per cent of the population.&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in October 2023 said New Zealand has approximately 2,50,000 persons of Indian origin and NRIs, most of whom are settled there permanently. Data on ENZ.org (a New Zealand government affiliate) indicates that approximately 18,000 Indians have migrated to the country since 2011.&nbsp;

In October 2023, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported that New Zealand is home to around 250,000 individuals of Indian origin and NRIs, the majority of whom have established permanent residency there. Data from ENZ.org, an affiliate of the New Zealand government, suggests that approximately 18,000 Indians have immigrated to the country since 2011.

<h2>Rebuilding the economy</h2>

Immigration Minister Stanford added that at the same time, it had to be ensured that New Zealanders were put to the front of the line for jobs where there were no skills shortages.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/new-zealand-central-bank-implements-cyber-reporting-rules-amid-rising-online-threats-696325">New Zealand central bank implements cyber reporting rules amid rising online threats</a>

“Getting our immigration settings right is critical to this Government’s plan to rebuild the economy," she said and highlighted that by having an English language requirement, migrants would be better able to understand their rights or raise concerns about an employer early.

<h2>In 2023, nearly 173,000 migrated to New Zealand</h2>

Last year,&nbsp;nearly 173,000 people migrated to New Zealand, a near record. Stanford also said in the statement that most of the changes in AEWV were not new, but rather a return to the pre-pandemic settings that better balanced the needs of business with the wider interests of the country.

“It is important that the AEWV settings facilitate the right mix of skilled temporary migrants to address genuine skill and labour shortages, support rebuilding the economy, and help manage numbers and pressures on core infrastructure, such as schools, housing, and the health system,” she added.&nbsp;

With a population of about 5.1 million, New Zealand has seen a rapid growth in its migrant numbers since the end of the pandemic, raising concerns in 2023 that it was fanning inflation.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Following the lead of Australia and Canada, New Zealand has introduced stricter visa regulations aimed at regulating immigration numbers by raising the criteria for job qualifications in the country.

Following the lead of Australia and Canada, New Zealand has introduced stricter visa regulations aimed at regulating immigration numbers by raising the criteria for job qualifications in the country. New Zealand said on Sunday (Apr 7) that it was immediately making changes to its Accredited Employer Worker Visa (AEWV) following a near-record migration last year which it said was "unsustainable." While the effectiveness of these newly added criteria is uncertain, the measures are expected to affect Indians seeking employment in New Zealand. The updated requirements includes English proficiency, work experience, and skill criteria, while also reducing the duration of stay permitted with a work permit. Through this overhaul of the immigration system, the New Zealand government aims to manage the influx of migrants it deems "unsuitable" for entry into the country. Notably, there has been a stable rise in the number of Indians in New Zealand. As per the 2018 New Zealand census, Indians made up about 4.7 per cent of the population. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in October 2023 said New Zealand has approximately 2,50,000 persons of Indian origin and NRIs, most of whom are settled there permanently. Data on ENZ.org (a New Zealand government affiliate) indicates that approximately 18,000 Indians have migrated to the country since 2011. In October 2023, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported that New Zealand is home to around 250,000 individuals of Indian origin and NRIs, the majority of whom have established permanent residency there. Data from ENZ.org, an affiliate of the New Zealand government, suggests that approximately 18,000 Indians have immigrated to the country since 2011. Rebuilding the economy Immigration Minister Stanford added that at the same time, it had to be ensured that New Zealanders were put to the front of the line for jobs where there were no skills shortages. Also read | New Zealand central bank implements cyber reporting rules amid rising online threats “Getting our immigration settings right is critical to this Government’s plan to rebuild the economy," she said and highlighted that by having an English language requirement, migrants would be better able to understand their rights or raise concerns about an employer early. In 2023, nearly 173,000 migrated to New Zealand Last year, nearly 173,000 people migrated to New Zealand, a near record. Stanford also said in the statement that most of the changes in AEWV were not new, but rather a return to the pre-pandemic settings that better balanced the needs of business with the wider interests of the country. “It is important that the AEWV settings facilitate the right mix of skilled temporary migrants to address genuine skill and labour shortages, support rebuilding the economy, and help manage numbers and pressures on core infrastructure, such as schools, housing, and the health system,” she added. With a population of about 5.1 million, New Zealand has seen a rapid growth in its migrant numbers since the end of the pandemic, raising concerns in 2023 that it was fanning inflation. (With inputs from agencies)

Visa restrictions in New Zealand expected to impact Indian immigrants

China has announced to lift its two-year visa ban on Indian students and professionals following the strict restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to reports.

The Chinese Embassy in India updated its COVID-19 visa policy on Monday inviting visa applications of foreign nationals and their accompanying family members seeking to go to China for resumption of work in all fields, PTI news agency reported.

Apart from that, the Chinese Embassy is also processing visa requests of thousands of Indian students who have been requesting to let them re-join the universities after they had to leave amidst the pandemic.

There are an estimated 23,000 Indian students, mostly studying medicine, pursuing their studies in Chinese universities. &nbsp;Over 12,000 Indian students have reportedly expressed their wish to return and their details have been forwarded to the Chinese government for processing.

Though China gradually permitted students from friendly countries such as Pakistan, Thailand, the Solomon Islands, and, most recently, Sri Lanka, to return, it remained silent on allowing Indian students and family members of Indians working in China.

The turnaround from China might have come after a number of Indian professionals based in China urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar last month to press Beijing to allow their stranded families to return.

However, visas for tourism and private purposes remain suspended, the Chinese Embassy announcement said.

China is yet to announce criteria to permit students to return as Beijing is reportedly reluctant to allow such large number of people at once in the wake of recent Covid spike.

While opening visa services to Indians, China is also yet to announce plans to open flight facilities between the two countries.

(With inputs from agencies)

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China has announced to lift its two-year visa ban on Indian students and professionals following the strict restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to reports.

China has announced to lift its two-year visa ban on Indian students and professionals following the strict restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to reports. The Chinese Embassy in India updated its COVID-19 visa policy on Monday inviting visa applications of foreign nationals and their accompanying family members seeking to go to China for resumption of work in all fields, PTI news agency reported. Apart from that, the Chinese Embassy is also processing visa requests of thousands of Indian students who have been requesting to let them re-join the universities after they had to leave amidst the pandemic. There are an estimated 23,000 Indian students, mostly studying medicine, pursuing their studies in Chinese universities. Over 12,000 Indian students have reportedly expressed their wish to return and their details have been forwarded to the Chinese government for processing. Though China gradually permitted students from friendly countries such as Pakistan, Thailand, the Solomon Islands, and, most recently, Sri Lanka, to return, it remained silent on allowing Indian students and family members of Indians working in China. The turnaround from China might have come after a number of Indian professionals based in China urged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar last month to press Beijing to allow their stranded families to return. However, visas for tourism and private purposes remain suspended, the Chinese Embassy announcement said. China is yet to announce criteria to permit students to return as Beijing is reportedly reluctant to allow such large number of people at once in the wake of recent Covid spike. While opening visa services to Indians, China is also yet to announce plans to open flight facilities between the two countries. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

COVID-19: China removes 2-year visa restrictions on Indians

India has announced multiple visa restrictions and updated its travel advisory for Indian citizens. The idea is to ensure that COVID-19 carriers do not enter the country.

Details about these restrictions:

Starting with foreign nationals:

<ul>
	<li style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">
	All existing visas of foreign nationals from across the world have been suspended until April 15.
	</li>
	<li style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">
	Only diplomats and officials from organisations like the united nations will continue to have an active visa.
	</li>
	<li style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">
	The move will come into effect from 5:30 AM Indian Standard Time tomorrow.
	</li>
	<li style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">
	But if a foreign national is already in India, they should not be worried their visa will still be valid and they can even seek an extension if they want.
	</li>
</ul>

For overseas citizens of India:

<ul>
	<li style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">Visa-free travel back to India has been suspended until April 15 (this move will also come into effect tomorrow)</li>
	<li style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">
	All travellers who are coming to India after visiting a virus-hit country will be quarantined for 14 days (this move will apply to Indian nationals as well)
	</li>
	<li style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">
	So if a citizen has been to Italy, or china or some other virus-hit country on or after February 15.&nbsp;
	</li>
	<li style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">
	They will be quarantined upon your arrival in India.
	</li>
	<li style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">
	At land borders, entry into India will only be permitted at designated immigration checkpoints and these checkpoints will have screening facilities to ensure that travellers don't show symptoms of coronavirus.
	</li>
	<li style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">
	Indian nationals have been asked to avoid all non-essential travel abroad.
	</li>
	<li style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">
	If for some pressing reason they do visit a foreign nation, they can be quarantined upon your return for a minimum of 14 days.
	</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/wion-dispatch-covid-19-cases-in-india-india-restricts-international-travel-coronavirus-285687/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

So the message for everyone in India is to stay put and avoid travelling abroad unless it is unavoidable.

The message is the same for the Indian nationals who are currently abroad.

<ul>
	<li style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">
	Avoid all non-essential travel
	</li>
	<li style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">
	Stay indoors as much as you can
	</li>
	<li style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;">
	If you do decide to return home, you can be quarantined for a minimum of 14 days.
	</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India has announced multiple visa restrictions and updated its travel advisory for Indian citizens. The idea is to ensure that COVID-19 carriers do not enter the country.

India has announced multiple visa restrictions and updated its travel advisory for Indian citizens. The idea is to ensure that COVID-19 carriers do not enter the country. Details about these restrictions: Starting with foreign nationals: All existing visas of foreign nationals from across the world have been suspended until April 15. Only diplomats and officials from organisations like the united nations will continue to have an active visa. The move will come into effect from 5:30 AM Indian Standard Time tomorrow. But if a foreign national is already in India, they should not be worried their visa will still be valid and they can even seek an extension if they want. For overseas citizens of India: Visa-free travel back to India has been suspended until April 15 (this move will also come into effect tomorrow) All travellers who are coming to India after visiting a virus-hit country will be quarantined for 14 days (this move will apply to Indian nationals as well) So if a citizen has been to Italy, or china or some other virus-hit country on or after February 15. They will be quarantined upon your arrival in India. At land borders, entry into India will only be permitted at designated immigration checkpoints and these checkpoints will have screening facilities to ensure that travellers don't show symptoms of coronavirus. Indian nationals have been asked to avoid all non-essential travel abroad. If for some pressing reason they do visit a foreign nation, they can be quarantined upon your return for a minimum of 14 days. So the message for everyone in India is to stay put and avoid travelling abroad unless it is unavoidable. The message is the same for the Indian nationals who are currently abroad. Avoid all non-essential travel Stay indoors as much as you can If you do decide to return home, you can be quarantined for a minimum of 14 days.

Indian government announces multiple visa restrictions and updates its travel advisory

Diplomatic tension between Bangladesh and Pakistan intensified on Monday as Dhaka halted issuing the visa to its nationals, sources reported to WION. Pakistani nationals are not being issued a visa for the past seven days now, sources said. Visa section of Bangladesh High Commission in Islamabad is also closed since last Monday.

Bangladesh, Pakistan diplomatic row intensifies over visa restriction

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