We live in a global village connected by cheap flights and high-speed Internet. Moving from one international town to another as part of your climb up the career ladder has become more than common, it has become an advantage. Many employers look favourably upon work experience in other countries.
A resume with a global employment history speaks of an employee who is a self-starter, a risk-taker and someone who is adaptable to change. To fill this ever-growing desire for employees looking for greener pastures in other countries, employment agencies that specialize in finding sponsors for overseas placements have been springing up, making it easier for all.
The road less traveled
Entrepreneurs or employees who would like to add expatriate to their resumes have a host of options on how to make the move across oceans. One option is to move overseas and look for a position whilst there, but this could lead to visa issues and unnecessary stress. Whether alone or supporting a family, being unemployed and despondent in a foreign country is not a road you want to walk.
A much more advisable option would be to follow an official route, one where your visa and employment will be sorted out before you make the big move. If you are not an entrepreneur or an investor looking to move to another country, the easiest and safest way would be to get a job sponsor to help you make the best decision.
Greener grass in New Zealand
For expatriates all across the world, the safe haven of New Zealand has become an enticing option for a new chapter in their working and family life. New Zealand has a good economy, a lower-than-average unemployment rate and an easy, nature-centric family life. New Zealand openly welcomes foreigners to help fill their increasing skills shortage.
Employees have a promising future in New Zealand as the government predicts an employment growth of 1 – 1.5% until 2015, and a drop of unemployment from an already low 6.3% to 4.7% by March 2016. For locals and expats alike, New Zealand is offering secure employment on top of a balanced work-family life.
Filling the skills shortage
Where and when the New Zealand government finds an area of employment which has many positions that are not, and will not be filled by New Zealand residents, it is added to the official Essential Skills In Demand (ESID) list, as published by the Department of Immigration. The types of skills that are being looked at can be divided into three categories:
- Long-Term Skill Shortage
- Short-Term Skill Shortage
- Canterbury Skill Shortage
Long-term skill shortages
Under this heading are positions that are continually understaffed by highly skilled workers in New Zealand and other countries. People whose skills fall on this list could be hired by a company in New Zealand on a working visa under the Work to Residence category.
This means that after two years of continual employment in a position on the long-term list and earning no less than NZ$45,000 per annum, migrant employees will be eligible to apply for permanent residency. Positions that are on the long-term skills list are in the categories Electronics and ICT, Science, Oil and gas, Transport, Trades and Telecommunications amongst others.
Short-term skill shortages
Once the Department of Immigration recognizes certain positions that need to be filled immediately and no New Zealand citizens are available to fill them, skilled migrant employees will be able to receive a work visa for the position to work temporarily in New Zealand.
Unlike the long-term positions, short-term skill positions do not necessarily lead to residency for expatriate employees. Positions that are on the short-term skills list fall under the categories of Construction, Education, Agriculture and Forestry, Engineering and Finance/Business, amongst others.
Canterbury skill shortages
Following the devastating earthquake in Canterbury in 2010, a whole new set of skilled workers was needed to rebuild the region. International employees with a certain set of skills are currently required by the Canterbury local government bodies. If you meet the criteria, you could qualify for a temporary work visa. Positions that are on the Canterbury skills list fall under the categories Construction, Engineering, Telecommunications and trades.
For skilled employees looking to spend some time working n New Zealand, or those hoping to get permanent residency there, the open list of skill shortages provide ample and exciting opportunities for both sponsoring employers and aspiring employees to make the move happen.
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License: Creative Commons
Marilu Snyders has lived and worked on three continents and has traveled to many more. Based on this experience, she writes about international employment opportunities for fellow globetrotters.