# PF136: For the 2026 New Zealand general election: What are parties' current positions on migration levels, skilled workers and settlement services? Collected 19 October 2026 [NZ Election 2026 · Edition 4 study](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/4) ## ChatGPT Answer ID: ca0df7a5-b6e8-466a-84ba-8fc7da59596d Worked for 10s Searching the web Searching the web Searching the web Searching the web # New Zealand 2026 election: Immigration, skilled workers and settlement Policy snapshot as at 19 October 2026 · General election: 7 November 2026 The main parties differ on three questions: how many migrants New Zealand should admit, which jobs should qualify for migrant workers, and what support newcomers should receive to settle permanently. The current campaign includes proposals to restrict work visas to verified skills shortages, manage immigration according to housing and infrastructure capacity, and expand protections and settlement support for migrants. Labour, National, ACT, New Zealand First and the Greens have published relevant policies, although the level of detail varies. [Release: Labour to ensure an immigration system that works for New Zealand](https://www.labour.org.nz/news/release-labour-to-ensure-an-immigration-system-that-works-for-new-zealand/)[ACT New Zealand](https://www.act.org.nz/news/making-immigration-work-for-new-zealand)[Manifesto 2026](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026)[NZFirst to Scrap Accredited Working Visa Model](https://www.nzfirst.nz/nzfirst_to_scrap_accredited_working_visa_model)[English language requirement extended to AEWV skill level 3 roles](https://www.national.org.nz/news/20260525-honericastanford-level3) ## 1. Comparison of the main parties | Party | Migration levels | Skilled workers | Settlement and migrant support | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | National | No new overall numerical migration cap identified in the published material reviewed. | Retains employer-sponsored work visas and has introduced two skilled-residence pathways with experience, wage and qualification requirements. | More enforcement against migrant exploitation; no comparably detailed new settlement programme identified. [2026 Election Policy](https://www.national.org.nz/policies)[English language requirement extended to AEWV skill level 3 roles](https://www.national.org.nz/news/20260525-honericastanford-level3)[More resources to combat migrant exploitation](https://www.national.org.nz/news/more-resources-to-combat-migrant-exploitation)[New residence options to bolster workforce](https://www.national.org.nz/news/20250923-hon-nicola-willis-new-residence-options-to-bolster-workforce) | | Labour | Plan migration around workforce needs, housing and infrastructure capacity. | Attract needed skills, retain the employer accreditation system but strengthen it, and allow workers to change accredited employers after three months. | New orientation and civic-education programme; better access to community support and stronger protections from exploitation. [Release: Labour to ensure an immigration system that works for New Zealand](https://www.labour.org.nz/news/release-labour-to-ensure-an-immigration-system-that-works-for-new-zealand/) | | ACT | No fixed overall cap announced in the policy reviewed; tighter eligibility and enforcement. | Each work-visa skill category would expire annually unless current evidence supports keeping it open. Basic English requirements would apply to all Accredited Employer Work Visa types, with seasonal-worker exceptions. | Proposes a five-year stand-down from specified income-tested benefits for new residents and a NZ$6-a-day infrastructure surcharge on temporary work visas. [ACT New Zealand](https://www.act.org.nz/news/making-immigration-work-for-new-zealand)[ACT New Zealand](https://www.act.org.nz/news/act%E2%80%99s-new-immigration-policy-to-put-%E2%80%98reside%E2%80%99-back-in-%E2%80%98resident%E2%80%99) | | New Zealand First | Focuses on restricting access to work visas rather than announcing a total annual migration target in its latest proposal. | Would scrap the Accredited Employer Work Visa and replace it with a shortage-led Skilled Work Visa. Employers would have to demonstrate genuine regional or occupational shortages and serious efforts to recruit or train New Zealanders. | Promises stronger employer enforcement and migrant-worker protections, but its latest announcement does not set out a comprehensive settlement-services programme. [NZFirst to Scrap Accredited Working Visa Model](https://www.nzfirst.nz/nzfirst_to_scrap_accredited_working_visa_model)[NZFirst to Scrap Accredited Working Visa Model](https://www.nzfirst.nz/nzfirst_to_scrap_accredited_working_visa_model) | | Green Party | Emphasises welcoming and fair migration; supports increasing the refugee quota. No new overall annual migration target was identified in the material reviewed. | Supports equal pay and conditions for temporary migrant workers, alongside stronger protections against exploitation. | Supports fair pathways to settle, refugee services and provision for people displaced by climate change. [Manifesto 2026](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026)[Immigration and visas: party comparison 2026](https://partymap.co.nz/compare/immigration/) | These are the parties' published positions, not guarantees of what a future government would implement. National's current government policies also need to be distinguished from new promises specifically made for the election. ## 2. What the differences mean in practice ### Migration levels and eligibility - National: The emphasis is on adjusting the visa system to meet employers' needs and provide routes to residence for qualified, experienced workers. Two new skilled-residence pathways took effect on 24 August 2026. [New residence options to bolster workforce](https://www.national.org.nz/news/20250923-hon-nicola-willis-new-residence-options-to-bolster-workforce)[Immigration and visas: party comparison 2026](https://partymap.co.nz/compare/immigration/) - Labour: Would introduce a Government Policy Statement on immigration, linking migration settings to labour-market demand, housing and infrastructure. This is a planning framework rather than a published numerical cap. [Release: Labour to ensure an immigration system that works for New Zealand](https://www.labour.org.nz/news/release-labour-to-ensure-an-immigration-system-that-works-for-new-zealand/) - ACT: Focuses on keeping visa categories open only when demand is demonstrated, enforcing immigration rules and asking temporary workers to contribute to infrastructure costs. [ACT New Zealand](https://www.act.org.nz/news/making-immigration-work-for-new-zealand) - New Zealand First: Would narrow work visas to demonstrable shortages and end routine access to employer-sponsored work visas for jobs that New Zealanders could reasonably fill or be trained to do. [NZFirst to Scrap Accredited Working Visa Model](https://www.nzfirst.nz/nzfirst_to_scrap_accredited_working_visa_model) - Greens: Emphasise fair treatment and humanitarian pathways, including an increased refugee quota and provision for climate displacement. [Manifesto 2026](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026)[Immigration and visas: party comparison 2026](https://partymap.co.nz/compare/immigration/) ### Skilled migrants and work rights The clearest distinction is between parties that want to retain and improve the existing employer-sponsored system and those proposing a more substantial redesign. - National's existing approach includes residence pathways for experienced skilled workers and qualified tradespeople, subject to eligibility requirements. - Labour would let migrant workers move between accredited employers after three months, aiming to reduce their dependence on a single employer. - ACT would require regular evidence that particular skill categories remain necessary. - New Zealand First would replace the Accredited Employer Work Visa with a visa tied to a named occupation, region and demonstrated shortage. - The Greens emphasise equal pay and conditions for migrant and local workers. [New residence options to bolster workforce](https://www.national.org.nz/news/20250923-hon-nicola-willis-new-residence-options-to-bolster-workforce)[Release: Labour to ensure an immigration system that works for New Zealand](https://www.labour.org.nz/news/release-labour-to-ensure-an-immigration-system-that-works-for-new-zealand/)[ACT New Zealand](https://www.act.org.nz/news/making-immigration-work-for-new-zealand)[NZFirst to Scrap Accredited Working Visa Model](https://www.nzfirst.nz/nzfirst_to_scrap_accredited_working_visa_model)[Immigration and visas: party comparison 2026](https://partymap.co.nz/compare/immigration/) ## 3. Settlement services: what each approach prioritises Settlement services can include English-language learning, help finding employment, support with housing and education, community connections, and assistance understanding New Zealand laws and services. The parties' proposals differ in emphasis: - Labour: Specifically proposes New Zealand orientation and civic education through community education providers, plus improved access to support in migrants' communities. Labour would also extend the period before eligibility for permanent residence from two years to four under its proposed approach. [Release: Labour to ensure an immigration system that works for New Zealand](https://www.labour.org.nz/news/release-labour-to-ensure-an-immigration-system-that-works-for-new-zealand/) - Greens: Emphasise dignity, fair treatment, and migrants' ability to settle successfully. Their wider immigration policy also includes refugee services and an increased refugee quota. [Manifesto 2026](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026)[Immigration and visas: party comparison 2026](https://partymap.co.nz/compare/immigration/) - National: Its published measures include additional frontline resources to investigate exploitation and immigration non-compliance. The Government announced NZ$18 million over four years for this work in Budget 2026. That is enforcement and worker protection funding, rather than a broad new settlement-services package. [More resources to combat migrant exploitation](https://www.national.org.nz/news/more-resources-to-combat-migrant-exploitation) - ACT: Emphasises English-language requirements, compliance with immigration rules and contribution to infrastructure. Its proposed five-year benefit stand-down would also affect access to specified income-tested support for new residents. [ACT New Zealand](https://www.act.org.nz/news/making-immigration-work-for-new-zealand) - New Zealand First: Emphasises protecting migrant workers from exploitation while prioritising New Zealand workers for jobs. Its October 2026 work-visa announcement does not specify new funding or a comprehensive package for settlement services. [NZFirst to Scrap Accredited Working Visa Model](https://www.nzfirst.nz/nzfirst_to_scrap_accredited_working_visa_model) For context, the existing government-wide Migrant Settlement and Integration Strategy covers participation and inclusion, health and wellbeing, housing, education and English, and employment and self-sufficiency. The policy differences above concern party proposals, not proof that existing services would automatically be expanded or removed. [Migrant Settlement and Integration Strategy :: Immigration New Zealand](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/our-strategies-and-programmes/supporting-people-from-overseas-to-settle-in-new-zealand/migrant-settlement-and-integration-strategy/) ## 4. What about the other parties? New Zealand has 17 registered parties contesting the 2026 election. The Opportunity Party, Te Pāti Māori and smaller parties may have relevant positions, but I could not verify equally detailed, current proposals covering all three areas for every party. A missing published position should not be interpreted as opposition to migrant support. [Candidate and party lists released](https://elections.nz/media-and-news/2026/candidate-and-party-lists-released)[Immigration and visas: party comparison 2026](https://partymap.co.nz/compare/immigration/) For a more detailed comparison, these sources are useful: - [Policy.nz — 2026 election migration policies](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/migration?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - [PartyMap — immigration and visa policy comparison](https://partymap.co.nz/compare/immigration/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - [Labour — immigration policy announcement](https://www.labour.org.nz/news/release-labour-to-ensure-an-immigration-system-that-works-for-new-zealand/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - [National — 2026 election policies](https://www.national.org.nz/policies?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - [ACT — immigration policy](https://www.act.org.nz/news/making-immigration-work-for-new-zealand?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - [New Zealand First — proposed work-visa replacement](https://www.nzfirst.nz/nzfirst_to_scrap_accredited_working_visa_model?utm_source=chatgpt.com) - [Greens — 2026 manifesto](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026?utm_source=chatgpt.com) One important distinction when comparing manifestos: migration volumes, work-visa eligibility, eligibility for permanent residence, and access to settlement services are separate policy questions. A party can support recruiting skilled migrants while tightening residence eligibility, or support migrant protections while seeking to reduce access to work visas. Looking at all four separately gives a more complete picture of what each party is proposing. ## Gemini Answer ID: 56fae9eb-344a-417b-90fc-dea4870426ab As the political landscape focuses on economic performance, infrastructure, and workforce needs, New Zealand's major political parties have staked out distinct positions on migration levels, skilled workers, and settlement rules. --- ### 1. National (Current Government) * **Migration Levels & Approach:** National’s stance is built around continuity of its existing settings, focusing on managed growth through the "Going for Growth" framework. It treats temporary work settings as structured pathways rather than open-ended arrivals, aiming to balance economic needs with infrastructural capacity. * **Skilled Workers:** National relies on recent reforms to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) and the transition to a New Occupation List (replacing ANZSCO) to target genuine skill shortages. The government has also dedicated funding (such as through Budget rounds) to compliance, tackling migrant exploitation, and tightening worker protections. * **Settlement Services & Residency:** National maintains standard permanent residency pathways, though friction exists within the coalition. Notably, National has publicly rejected coalition partner ACT’s proposal to abolish permanent resident visas, signalling that core settlement rights for established migrants will remain protected. ### 2. ACT Party * **Migration Levels & Approach:** ACT takes a market-driven approach, aiming to lower bureaucratic barriers for employers hiring needed staff while tightening welfare and residency controls. * **Skilled Workers:** ACT advocates for an annually reviewed skilled jobs list to dynamically track actual economic and labour gaps. * **Settlement Services & Residency:** ACT proposes significant structural shifts, including barring new migrants from accessing welfare for their first five years, establishing a dedicated overstayer enforcement unit, and—most controversially—**abolishing permanent resident visas** in favor of indefinite temporary or conditional status (a policy not supported by its coalition partner, National). ### 3. New Zealand First * **Migration Levels & Approach:** NZ First advocates for the strictest and most extensive tightening of immigration rules among the major parties, framing its platform around "smart, controlled" population growth and long-term domestic workforce planning. Key proposals include a public referendum on capping annual resident visas. * **Skilled Workers:** NZ First seeks a much tighter and more restrictive visa framework (including proposals to replace or drastically overhaul the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme) to ensure domestic resources and training are prioritized over foreign labor. * **Settlement Services & Residency:** NZ First proposes doubling the qualifying periods for both permanent residence and citizenship from 5 years to 10 years, restricting birthright citizenship, barring all visa holders from main benefits (such as Jobseeker Support or the accommodation supplement) for their first decade, and limiting voting rights strictly to citizens. ### 4. Labour Party * **Migration Levels & Approach:** Labour’s platform centers on the principle that immigration numbers must be tightly aligned with what public infrastructure, housing, and the domestic job market can support. * **Skilled Workers:** Labour supports a well-managed system focused strictly on filling genuine skill gaps while emphasizing protections against migrant exploitation and reviewing employer-mobility rules. * **Settlement Services & Residency:** Labour has proposed a four-year wait period to attain permanent residence. On social integration, Labour has contrasted its tone with harder-line rhetoric, proposing targeted pathways (such as citizenship options for children born in New Zealand to long-term undocumented parents) and reviewing financial criteria for parent-category visas. ### 5. Green Party * **Migration Levels & Approach:** The Greens reject the narrative that economic struggles, low wages, or housing pressures are caused by migration, criticizing restrictionist policies as political scapegoating. * **Skilled Workers & Settlement:** The Greens focus heavily on human rights, fair treatment of workers already in the country, expanding humanitarian and refugee pathways, and developing cooperative frameworks for climate-displaced migrants from the Pacific. --- Would you like to explore how these policies specifically impact a particular sector (such as health, tech, or agriculture), or examine current visa categories? ## Google AI Mode Answer ID: 77fe2c47-7115-46e9-8eef-8f3ed1037dd9 **For the 2026 New Zealand general election, political parties hold sharply divided positions on immigration, ranging from tighter overall caps and restrictions on employer-tied visas to a focus on targeted high-skilled labor and enhanced integration support.** The general election is scheduled for **Saturday, 7 November 2026** , with advance voting opening on **26 October 2026** , as outlined by the Electoral Commission Vote NZ Guide. Net migration figures tracked by Stats NZ and reported via NewsWire have slowed compared to historical peaks, fueling active policy debates across the political spectrum captured on Policy.nz. 2026 General Election OverviewNZ net migration doubles to 20,500, still below averagePolicies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026 * * * Major Parties' Positions on Migration and Skilled Workers * * **New Zealand First:** Proposes tightening overall immigration numbers and restructuring the work visa framework. As reported by Radio New Zealand (RNZ), the party advocates replacing the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) system with models that untie migrant workers from a single specific employer to prevent exploitation, while simultaneously tightening general volume limits and vetting standards. * **National Party (Incumbent / Coalition Lead):** Focuses heavily on managing infrastructure pressures while keeping settings responsive to acute economic and sectoral shortages (such as health, construction, and agriculture). The coalition approach balances selective high-skilled attraction with tightening oversight on low-to-mid skilled pathways and student-to-work transitions. [Policy.nz] * **Labour Party:** Emphasizes better workforce planning, protecting local wages, and cracking down heavily on migrant exploitation through strengthened employer accreditation checks. Labour aligns skilled migration closely with regional skill-shortage lists and training investments for domestic workers. [RNZ] * **Green Party:** Advocates for a more humane, rights-based immigration framework. The Greens support providing clearer and fairer residency pathways, removing punitive restrictions on migrant families, improving access to public health and education services for temporary migrants, and ensuring stronger workplace protections. [Policy.nz] * **ACT New Zealand:** Generally favors a more flexible, market-driven approach to skilled migration that lets business demand dictate employer-sponsored entry, while arguing against arbitrary volume caps that restrict productivity in key industries. * * * * Settlement Services and Migrant Support * * **Access to Public Services:** Center-left and progressive parties (Labour and the Greens) emphasize expanding state-funded English language training, localized settlement assistance, and full or subsidized access to healthcare and social safety nets for newly arrived families. * **Worker Protection and Mobility:** Parties like New Zealand First and Labour focus settlement reform on job mobility—allowing migrants trapped in abusive or non-compliant employment situations to switch jobs without risking deportation. * **Integration and Infrastructure Funding:** Center-right parties (National and ACT) lean toward tying settlement readiness and local council infrastructure funding closer to regional population growth metrics rather than universal entitlement expansions. [RNZ]