NZ's migration policy fast attracting Indian professionals

They now make up country's 3rd-largest ethnic group, ahead of the Chinese

- Ong Hui Fang

WELLINGTON - IT professional Prashant Singh, 38, is among a growing wave of Indian migrants who have chosen to make New Zealand their home.

Frustrated by the slow process in securing permanent residency after spending six years in Melbourne, Australia, he decided to cross the ditch to New Zealand. The country's faster and more certain immigration pathway was the main draw.

"I got my residency in August 2024 and moved here in September. My New Zealand visa was granted in 20 days, which is mainly what made me decide to move," Mr Singh told The Straits Times.

Migrants on resident visas can apply for permanent residency after two years.

Originally from Bengaluru, Mr Singh secured a job in Auckland a month before beginning the process of applying for his Straight to Residence Visa. His partner had to resign from her information technology job in Australia, but found a role about six months after they moved.

They now own a home, and Mr Singh feels that New Zealand's welcoming culture has made the move worth the effort.

"Kiwis are much more welcoming compared with Aussies. Culture-wise, I find it more engaging. Family and tradition play a major part in everyone's life," said Mr Singh. The move has also brought financial benefits in the form of a higher salary, placing him among the top 10 per cent of earners in New Zealand.

In comparing the cost of living with that of Australia, he noted that food and other items are comparable, but rent and bills in general are more costly in New Zealand.

Mr Singh's story underscores a larger migration trend shaping New Zealand's demographics. In 2024, a record 72,000 New Zealanders left the country due to high living costs and a weak economy.