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The New Zealand government recently raised the workload limit for international students, increasing the number of hours allowed to work from 20 to 25 per week. This measure is aimed at supporting the development of international education, improving the living conditions of students and attracting more students. However, the state authorities stressed the importance of protecting the rights of potential employees and preventing possible abuses by employers.
The changes affected about 40,000 visa holders, most of whom will complete their studies by the end of March 2026; The new rules apply even to those whose permits were issued before November of this year. So students will be able to more easily cover the costs of living and studying, improve their financial situation; In addition, the increase in working hours will allow students to gain valuable professional experience and facilitate adaptation to the future working environment.
According to representatives of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment of New Zealand, the authorities want to make the country more attractive to foreign students and ensure competitiveness in the educational sector at the international level. If employers underpay or force foreign citizens to overwork, then these actions will begin to be considered a criminal offense by the authorities, so control over the actions of the heads of companies and organizations will be strengthened.
