Timbo
23rd November 2004, 05:39 AM
More working holidaymakers on the way
Government increases working holidaymaker scheme from 31,000 to 40,000 people within the next two years
Paul Swain
23 November 2004
The government is opening the door for up to 40,000 young people from overseas to spend working holidays here within the next two years.
The Working Holiday scheme currently allows 31,000 people from 22 countries, aged between 18 and 30 and without children to work here for up to a year.
Immigration Minister Paul Swain says last year almost a quarter of all working holiday makers found jobs in the horticultural and agricultural sectors.
Other changes to the scheme include removing the cap on the number of scheme applicants from the UK, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands coming to New Zealand, in recognition that these countries offer the same arrangement for New Zealanders.
France and Canada may also be included in this category, pending negotiations on reciprocal agreements.
British working holidaymakers will be able to stay for up to two years and work for 12 months. Currently they can only stay for a year and cannot work permanently, while New Zealanders can stay for two years in the UK and work permanently.
From 2005/06, an extra 10,000 places will be reserved for young people from Canada, the US, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, and Italy.
When the changes take effect next July, people will be able to apply online anywhere in the world. At present they have to go to a New Zealand Immigration Service branch in their home country.
Government increases working holidaymaker scheme from 31,000 to 40,000 people within the next two years
Paul Swain
23 November 2004
The government is opening the door for up to 40,000 young people from overseas to spend working holidays here within the next two years.
The Working Holiday scheme currently allows 31,000 people from 22 countries, aged between 18 and 30 and without children to work here for up to a year.
Immigration Minister Paul Swain says last year almost a quarter of all working holiday makers found jobs in the horticultural and agricultural sectors.
Other changes to the scheme include removing the cap on the number of scheme applicants from the UK, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands coming to New Zealand, in recognition that these countries offer the same arrangement for New Zealanders.
France and Canada may also be included in this category, pending negotiations on reciprocal agreements.
British working holidaymakers will be able to stay for up to two years and work for 12 months. Currently they can only stay for a year and cannot work permanently, while New Zealanders can stay for two years in the UK and work permanently.
From 2005/06, an extra 10,000 places will be reserved for young people from Canada, the US, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, and Italy.
When the changes take effect next July, people will be able to apply online anywhere in the world. At present they have to go to a New Zealand Immigration Service branch in their home country.