According to a recent report, there have been certain changes made to the Skills Shortage List of New Zealand. The occupation of Agricultural scientists has been included in the Long Term Skills Shortage List. Besides, there are several teaching occupations that have been deleted from the list.
To become more alert to the requirements of New Zealand employers and its economy, the Labour Department of the country reviews its Essential Skills in Demand Lists on a regular basis. These particular lists cover the Immediate Skill Shortage List, the Long Term Skill Shortage List, and the Canterbury Skill Shortage List.
To meet the rebuilding needs necessitated due to the earthquake of 6.3-magnitude that struck the region of Canterbury during the month of February 2011, the Canterbury Skill Shortage List was created.
In this connection, the GM of the Labour and Immigration Research Centre, Vasantha Krishnan was quoted as saying that regular review of these lists is essential to ensure that there is a flexibility in the Department’s policy and receptive as the economy of the nation continues to experience instability and fluctuations in the labor market.
The occupations included in the Long Term Skills Shortage List are:
- Life Scientist nec (Animal Scientist or Bioinformatics)
- Biotechnologist (Genetics Scientist)
- Environmental Research Scientist (Water Quality Analyst)
- Agricultural Scientist (Farm Systems Scientist)
- Social Professional nec (Applied Social Scientist)
The occupations, which have been deleted from the Long Term Skills Shortage List (LTSSL) include:
- Early Childhood (Pre-primary School Teacher), and
- Secondary School Teacher
The Long Term Skills Shortage List deals with the occupations, having current shortages of skilled personnel across the country. Migrants with an employment offer in either of these professions could be issued a work visa.
With a view to migrate to this Land of Kiwi, under its Skilled Category, one has to score a minimum of 100 points under the system of points. However, 50 to 60 points can be claimed for an employment which exists, or from an employment offer in the country, wherein there are skilled shortages of experts from technical and or management fields.
Besides, points are provided to the applicants on the basis of their age, employability, experience, qualifications, etc.
