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Questions are being raised around what New Zealand’s proposed citizenship test could mean for migrant workers already facing limited long-term pathways to remain in the country, particularly in hospitality.
The Government plans to introduce a formal citizenship test in late 2027 as part of changes to the citizenship by grant process, with the Department of Internal Affairs ( DIA) saying applicants will have access to preparation resources and support before the test becomes mandatory.
DIA says sufficient English language knowledge is already a requirement for citizenship, although this is currently assessed as conversational English.
They say further supporting material and resources are planned to help applicants prepare for the test, while exemptions will remain for some applicants.
“In addition, there will be an exceptional circumstances exemption to the test. This is intended for applicants who have a low level of English language literacy, and where exceptional circumstances prevent them from obtaining the necessary level of English to complete the test,” says DIA.
“Other existing exemptions in the citizenship application process, such as the English language waiver, will also exempt an applicant from the test.”
As for migrant retention, DIA says they have not looked into any modelling on what impact the proposed citizenship test could have on whether migrants choose to stay in New Zealand.
“No modelling has been done on the effect of the test on migrant retention.”
They say a review of the test settings is planned one year after it is rolled out and preparation resources will be released ahead of the changes coming into effect.
For the hospitality sector, concerns remain less about the test itself and more about whether migrant workers can realistically stay long term.
Hospitality New Zealand (HNZ) chief executive Kristy Phillips says many migrant hospitality workers already struggle to access residency pathways.
“While the citizenship test could possibly discourage migrant workers from looking to settle in New Zealand, the reality for migrant hospitality workers is many roles don’t have a realistic pathway to residency at all,” she says.
She says they have been advocating for immigration settings that better recognise industry experience.
“Hospitality New Zealand has been advocating for some time that visa categories need to recognise work experience as a valid indication of skills, especially given most don’t enter the hospitality workforce as a result of obtaining a qualification,” she says.
“Opening this pathway is essential for the sector to attract and retain long term workforce stability and to fill the gaps not filled by Kiwis.” says Kristy.
