For new migrants, the key to securing employment is also the key to successful integration. The qualities that employers seek mirror what immigration authorities and society value in newcomers. By understanding these expectations, migrants can streamline their journey toward finding work and also thriving in the new culture. This alignment makes New Zealand and Australia unique among Western nations, offering a clear pathway to long-term success for those who embrace these principles.
1. Immigration Authorities: The Foundation of Skilled Migration
Both New Zealand and Australia have structured, merit-based immigration policies designed to attract skilled professionals who can contribute meaningfully to their economies. The criteria set by immigration authorities emphasize:
- English Language Proficiency: A core requirement, ensuring migrants can integrate into the workforce and society.
- Educational Qualifications: Higher education degrees, particularly in vocational and professional fields, are prioritized.
- Skilled Work Experience: Demonstrated expertise in a relevant field, especially in occupations with high demand.
- Age Factor: Both countries favor younger migrants, with Australia capping at 45 years and New Zealand at 55.
- Occupation in Demand: Aligning with national labor shortages, priority is given to those with skills that fill gaps.
- Professional and Technical Skills: A preference for migrants who bring specialized expertise.
- Economic Contribution Potential: Assessing a migrantโs ability to positively impact the local economy.
- Points-Based System: A structured method to rank candidates based on their qualifications, experience, and language skills.
This rigorous framework is not just about filling workforce shortages but about nation-building. The policies are designed to attract migrants who will succeed long-term, assimilate well, and enhance economic growth.
2. Employer Needs: A Mirror of Immigration Policy
Interestingly, what immigration authorities require and what employers seek are strikingly similar. While the bureaucratic process of visas and points-based assessment is dictated by policy, employers make decisions based on productivity, adaptability, and cultural fit. Key overlapping factors include:
- English Language Proficiency: Employers also need migrants who can communicate effectively in the workplace.
- Relevant Skills and Expertise: Just like immigration authorities, employers prioritize qualifications and technical competencies.
- Work Experience: Especially local experience, which makes hiring decisions less risky.
- Ability to Contribute to Growth: Businesses favor employees who can improve operations, introduce innovation, and help scale the company.
- Occupation in Demand: With acute skill shortages in healthcare, construction, engineering, and IT, employers welcome migrants in these fields.
- Cultural Fit and Adaptability: Employers seek individuals who will integrate well into their teams and company culture.
- Commitment to Long-Term Employment: Employers prefer migrants who plan to stay, as turnover costs are high.
- Salary Expectations: Recent shifts in visa rules require migrants to meet salary thresholds, aligning with business needs to hire qualified professionals at fair wages.
This high level of congruence between immigration rules and employer preferences is unusual on a global scale. In many Western nations, immigration policies and labor market needs often misalign, leading to skill mismatches. However, Australia and New Zealand have refined their approach to ensure that migrant selection closely matches economic and business demands.
3. Social Expectations: A Natural Extension of Policy and Employment Trends
Beyond immigration authorities and businesses, the broader public also has preferences for the type of migrants they welcome. The factors valued by society largely reflect those of employers and immigration officials, making for an unusual three-way alignment.
- English Language Proficiency: Strong English skills allow migrants to integrate better into local communities.
- Economic Contribution: Citizens appreciate migrants who add value to the economy and do not strain public resources.
- Cultural Adaptability: The ability to fit into the local way of life, respecting traditions and customs, is important.
- Professional and Skilled Background: People generally support migrants who bring expertise that complements the existing workforce rather than competing for lower-wage jobs.
- Friendly and Relaxed Demeanor: Australians and New Zealanders value a laid-back attitude that fits their cultural ethos.
- Appreciation for Nature and Outdoor Activities: Migrants who embrace the local lifestyleโwhether it be hiking, beaches, or sportsโare more welcomed.
- Commitment to Long-Term Residence: Society benefits from stable, engaged residents rather than transient workers.
- Family-Oriented Values: Migrants who bring families and integrate into community life are valued.
This societal perspective creates a welcoming environment where skilled migrants feel encouraged to assimilate. Unlike in some Western nations where tensions exist between migrant influx and public sentiment, Australia and New Zealand have structured their migration policies in a way that largely aligns with societal expectations.
4. The Unique Cohesion of New Zealand and Australiaโs Migration Approach
Few Western nations have achieved the level of alignment seen in Australia and New Zealand, where government policies, labor market needs, and societal values are so well-integrated. This brings several key conclusions:
- New Zealand and Australia offer a functional and fair immigration system, attracting migrants who will succeed and benefit society.
- Employer and immigration authority criteria reinforce each other, reducing the likelihood of skills mismatches.
- Societal preferences align with migration policies, ensuring that public opinion remains largely positive towards skilled migrants.
- This level of coordination is rare; many Western nations experience disconnects between migration policies and labor market needs, leading to economic inefficiencies and social tensions.
Advice for Migrants: How to Align Yourself for Success
For prospective migrants, understanding these alignments can drastically improve your chances of a smooth migration journey:
- Strengthen Your English Skills: Language ability is a non-negotiable factor across all three layersโimmigration, employers, and society.
- Choose a High-Demand Career Path: Focus on qualifications and work experience in industries facing shortages (healthcare, IT, engineering, construction, etc.).
- Gain Work Experience in a Related Field: If possible, get experience in a similar labor market before migrating.
- Emphasize Adaptability and Cultural Awareness: Employers and society favor those who can integrate easily.
- Commit to a Long-Term Future: Demonstrating intent to settle, rather than using a visa as a stepping stone, makes you more attractive to employers and policymakers.
Sources:
Immigration Authorities:
[1] https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/2734-competing-for-skills-full-report-pdf
[2] https://visaenvoy.com/australia-vs-new-zealand-immigration/
[3] https://www.aigroup.com.au/resourcecentre/research-economics/economics-intelligence/2024/measuring-migrants-contribution-to-the-australian-labour-market/
[4] https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/2735-competing-for-skills-at-a-glance-pdf
Employer Needs:
[5] https://www.beehive.govt.nz/sites/default/files/Employers%20of%20Migrants%20Report%20Feb%202006.pdf
[6] https://www.newzealandshores.com/new-zealand-job-search/will-new-zealand-employers-hire-migrants/
[7] https://www.immigration.govt.nz/employ-migrants
[8] https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/2729-new-faces-new-futures-5-migrants-labour-market-participation-pdf
Social Expectations:
[9] https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/cacr/research/1-page-research-summaries/What_makes_skilled_migrants_choose_New_Zealand.pdf
[10] https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/2731-new-faces-new-futures-7-migrants-settlement-experiences-and-outcomes-pdf
[11] https://www.msd.govt.nz/documents/about-msd-and-our-work/publications-resources/research/diverse-communities-migrant-experience/migrant-experience-report.pdf
[12] https://hrc-nz-resources.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/files/8014/2388/0518/HRNZ_10_rights_of_migrants.pdf







