New Zealand Wants International Students and Workers Due to Dwindling Population

Just when European countries are struggling to solve the refugee crisis, New Zealand is opening its doors to people from all over the world to their country, specifically in Southland. 

In case you aren’t familiar with Southland (yes, I’m guilty too), it is New Zealand’s southernmost region with Invercargill as its commercial city. This beautiful land is home to two national parks, Fiordland National Park (which is also the biggest in the country) and Rakiura National Park. Looks like a good place to chill during the weekend!

Source: fishing guides

Source: new zealand

This generous invitation comes after the population in Southland has been dwindling for several years, according to Sinchew. The ageing and shrinking population has caused labour shortage in manufacturing sectors.

As such, the local government is hoping to bring in 10,000 immigrants to stay in Southland by 2025. These individuals include students, trained workers in fish farming and labourers for manufacturing sectors.

Source: sords

To get as many people as possible to stay in the southernmost region, the local government is planning to get international students to stay upon completion of study.

To make that happen, they are looking at providing job opportunities for internship practical students, extending the student’s visa and providing hostel for them.

It was also reported that the average annual income of fresh graduates in Southland is NZD$37,500 (approx. RM114,800). If you’ve accumulated five years of experience in your respective working field, the average annual income could easily reach NZD$55,000 (approx. RM168,370).

If you’re worrying about accommodation, don’t sweat it, they’ve got you covered too.

Source: The Lodge at Tikana

Source: The Lodge at Tikana

Source: cities tips

Since Southland has more massive vacant land compared to other regions, residential areas can easily be built to accommodate the arrival of newcomers. They’re also hoping that newly-built accommodation will attract newcomers to stay in the area where population is scarce, according to Tim Shadbolt, the mayor of Invercargill.

So if you guys are interested in experiencing the ambience of Southland, feel free to visit their official website at Southland Regional Development Strategy.

Everything is pretty much covered, wei! 

Also read: 7 Underrated Holiday Destinations in Malaysia for Your Next Road Trip!