The tourism sector in New Zealand is facing a serious labor crisis, with thousands of vacancies and higher levels of Omicron-related staff sickness. This has created a big headache for tourism, which lost 65,000 workers in the first year of the pandemic and is now struggling to win back workers laid off when the border closed.
Many who landed more secure jobs in other sectors are reluctant to return to an industry that was so vulnerable to Covid-19, and now has the added challenge of geopolitical influences such as the war in Ukraine. This labor crisis is a serious threat to the future of tourism in New Zealand, and it is vital that steps are taken to address it.
To make up for the shortfall in staff, the Government needs to provide support to businesses so that they can afford to do so. In addition, measures need to be taken to make the sector more attractive to workers, such as increasing wages and improving working conditions. Without action, the tourism industry in New Zealand is at risk of collapse.
There are a number of countries from which migrant workers can be hired to work in the tourism sector in New Zealand. These include:
Licensed immigration advisers like Provisas can help businesses in the tourism sector to identify potential migrant workers from the above countries who are suitably qualified and experienced. They can also assist with the process of applying for work visas for these workers. In addition, they can provide advice on how to make the sector more attractive to workers, such as by increasing wages and improving working conditions.
Yes, employer accreditation can help in this case. By becoming accredited, businesses in the tourism sector will be able to hire migrant workers from a wider range of countries, and will also be able to access streamlined visa processing. This will make it easier and faster for them to hire the workers they need, and will make the sector more attractive to potential employees.
If businesses in the tourism sector do not take action to address the labor crisis, they face the risk of collapse. This would have a devastating impact on the economy of New Zealand, as tourism is a major contributor to GDP. In addition, thousands of people would lose their jobs, and the country would miss out on the many benefits that tourism brings.
Provisas can help businesses in the tourism sector to become accredited employers. We can provide advice on the accreditation process, and can assist with the preparation of the required documentation. We can also represent businesses at interviews with Immigration New Zealand, and can provide ongoing support after accreditation is granted.
If you are a business in the tourism sector in New Zealand, and you need help to address the labor crisis, contact Provisas today. We can assist with employer accreditation, work visa applications, and making the sector more attractive to workers. Don't let the labor crisis threaten the future of your business - Book a consultation.
