Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
The New Zealand government has introduced significant changes to its immigration policy and the impact is increasingly being felt by Indians, particularly those from Punjab.
Under the new rules, visa fees have been increased, and applicants must now show proof of funds amounting to ₹11.20 lakh in their bank accounts. Additionally, international students will be granted a work permit only once after completing their studies.
The updated policy also makes English language testing mandatory for all categories of workers. Even applicants for jobs such as cleaners, factory workers, and drivers are now required to pass an English proficiency test. Authorities have also introduced surprise interviews, and failure to clear them could result in immediate deportation.
Reports indicate that within a week, at least two individuals from Punjab faced difficulties entering the country under the new regulations. It has also been revealed that nearly 42% of student visas have been rejected recently.
According to a report, there has been a sharp rise in work visa rejections in 2026, with approximately 30–40% of Indian applicants facing rejection. Every year, around 10,000 students from Punjab travel to New Zealand on study visas, making the new rules a matter of concern for aspiring migrants and their families.
