Media Release

12 June 2009

Changes to the Immediate Skill Shortage List (ISSL) indicate the degree of change New Zealand’s economy has undergone in the past few months, Head of Immigration Andrew Annakin says.

The biannual review of the ISSL, which is administered by the Department of Labour, sees 44 occupations removed from the list. The majority of the 988 occupations listed in the 2006 census have to be labour market tested. Those on the ISSL – now numbering 87 – do not require a labour market check. Removal from the list means they follow the normal process of requiring one.

The list comprises occupations deemed to be in immediate short term shortage in the New Zealand labour market.

“Occupations which were identified as readily trainable and those for which New Zealanders may be available were reviewed for removal.  In this time of economic uncertainty, these types of occupations were prioritised for review to ensure opportunities for New Zealanders. That said, there will be ongoing review of all occupations on the list.”

Mr Annakin says the removal of the occupations from the list is the result of extensive consultation with industry groups, other stakeholders and relevant government agencies.

“The changes to the list indicate that the Department’s policy is flexible and responsive to the changing face of the country’s labour market and the economic volatility the country is currently experiencing,” Mr Annakin says.

Mr Annakin says the removal of these occupations does not mean employers can not recruit migrants.

“Removal of an occupation from one of the lists does not mean that an employer cannot recruit a temporary migrant worker.  That is still possible. The employer can demonstrate genuine attempts to recruit a suitable New Zealander, as is the process with all other occupations.  If no suitable New Zealanders are available in that location then temporary work permits will still be issued.

“The number of temporary migrant workers in New Zealand will still be dependent on employer need. However, for occupations no longer on the list the labour market test process ensures that no New Zealanders are available before an employer recruits a migrant worker.”

Mr Annakin says other OECD countries are changing their labour migration policy in a similar fashion to ensure locals get first priority in domestic labour markets.

“What New Zealand is undergoing is not unique. We are in tune with the responses of other nations in confronting this crisis.

“Having said that, New Zealand still has skill shortages in certain areas and jobs may need to be filled by people from overseas.”

ENDS.