NZIL Examine the Problem of Skill Shortages in NZ

Immigration law specialists, NZ Immigration Law opine there is urgency needed on skill shortages in this country, and going by an article in NZ Herald published recently, they would appear to be on the right track. 

 

The article by Harry Ferreira, Head of Small Business for BNZ, offered the opinion that it is time big business and the government collaborated to introduce effective long-term upskilling programmes to relieve skills shortages affecting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in New Zealand. Ferreira says, “The problem facing SMEs is global, well-known and difficult to solve - but a focused series of programmes would address the shortage hindering the growth of many companies. New Zealand is a growing country - we have a settled economy, but we just don't have enough people with the skills we need to service the growth we are experiencing."

 

As one in three New Zealanders is employed by SMEs, if these skills shortages continue, some of these smaller companies may go out of business. SMEs are important not just because they service local communities, they also service big business, and as big business is focused on what is good for the country, they need to work with government to facilitate the means of attracting the right people here to upskill our own people - not just for now but with a view to 20 and 30 years ahead.

 

As NZIL see it, if that means some adjustment to immigration, so be it. SME’s can spend about 40 per cent of their time over a week interviewing, securing and training staff, which reflects the fact that many of the immigrants coming into the country now have not been professionally chosen. NZIL assist with applying for business visas, including assistance in business plans and associated legal, taxation, and regulatory work relating to the immigrant's business.

 

Also, as part of the accreditation process a business owner must demonstrate to Immigration New Zealand that they are a good employer, and NZIL can help them to make a strong case to Immigration New Zealand and help their business develop a pathway for the smooth recruitment of talent from offshore.

 

The increasing number of work visas being issued shows a need for New Zealand businesses to engage with Immigration New Zealand and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, so for more information on NZIS and their immigration services, please go to http://www.nzil.co.nz .