The biannual review of the LTSSL, which is administered by the Department of Labour, sees eight occupations removed from the list. The list comprises occupations deemed to be in long term shortage in the New Zealand labour market.
The removal of the occupations from the list is the result of extensive consultation with industry groups, other stakeholders and relevant government agencies.
Removal of occupations from the LTSSL does not mean employers cannot recruit migrants in those occupations. An employer can demonstrate genuine attempts to recruit a suitable New Zealander, as is the process with all other occupations. If, after the labour market is tested, Immigration New Zealand is satisfied no suitable New Zealanders are available in that location then temporary work permits will still be granted.
The occupations being removed from the LTSSL with effect from Thursday, 2 July 2009 are:
- Motor Mechanic (General)
- Motor Mechanic (Auto Air Conditioning Technicians)
- Motor Mechanic (Motor Vehicle Inspectors)
- Plumber (General)
- Fitter Welder
- Diesel Motor Mechanic
- Carpenter/Joiner
- Cabinet Maker.
Skilled Migrant Category
The LTSSL is also used for the awarding of bonus points under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) for employment, work experience and qualifications in areas of absolute skills shortage. Changes to the SMC will take effect from 2 July 2009 to ensure people whose Expressions of Interest (EOIs) have been drawn from the pool of EOIs are not disadvantaged by an occupation being removed from the LTSSL. EOIs selected that claim points in an area of absolute skills shortage on the basis of an occupation removed from the LTSSL will now continue to be considered as if the occupation had not been removed.
Any changes to the LTSSL will not affect the processing of an SMC application that has already been accepted by Immigration New Zealand.
Residence from Work policy
The LTSSL Residence from Work policy has been amended so people can qualify for residence if they have held a LTSSL Work to Residence work permit for 24 months prior to applying and either:
- have an offer of employment in an occupation currently on the LTSSL, or
- the offer of employment is in the same occupation for which they were granted the LTSSL Work to Residence work permit (regardless of whether the occupation is currently on the LTSSL).
This means that people holding a LTSSL Work to Residence work permit will not be disadvantaged by the removal of occupations from the LTSSL.
For more information see Amendment Circular 2009-06 PDF [112KB]