New Zealand has announced it will remove 17 occupations from its Green List work to residence pathway, effective March 2027. The decision follows a review of the list, which aims to align with labor market needs. The affected occupations include roles such as teachers, sterilization technicians, and career counselors.
The government stated that the changes are part of a broader effort to ensure the Green List reflects current economic priorities and workforce demands. The updated list will be published in full, with details on the new rules for the remaining occupations. The move is expected to impact foreign workers in these fields, requiring them to seek alternative immigration pathways.
This adjustment marks the first major update to the Green List since its introduction in 2021. The list was designed to streamline the process for skilled workers to transition from work visas to permanent residency. The changes reflect ongoing adjustments to immigration policy in response to economic and demographic shifts. The government has not provided specific numbers on how many workers may be affected, but the update is part of a wider review of immigration frameworks.
