Streamlined residency processes and improved work opportunities are drawing Indian migrants away from traditional destinations like Australia, Canada, and the UK.
New Zealand is fast becoming a magnet for skilled Indian professionals seeking a clear and efficient path to residency, as immigration hurdles in other Western countries grow steeper.
One such migrant is 38-year-old IT expert Prashant Singh, who, after enduring a six-year wait for residency in Australia, opted for a fresh start across the Tasman Sea. He secured his New Zealand residency in just 20 days and relocated in September 2024, a move he attributes to the country’s responsive and transparent visa system.
“Compared to Australia, the cultural warmth here is remarkable. It’s not just the process that’s easier – it’s the people too,” Singh said. Since arriving, Singh has taken up a high-paying role in Auckland and purchased a home with his partner, who also found employment within months.
In contrast to Australia’s tightening rules, New Zealand is making concerted efforts to attract skilled migrants. The country gained a net migration increase of over 27,000 in 2024, despite 72,000 locals leaving due to economic challenges. Indian nationals accounted for the largest share of arrivals, with work visa applications from India reaching nearly 35,000 that year.
India has overtaken China as the leading source of international students and work visa holders. The 2023 census revealed Indians now form the third-largest ethnic group in New Zealand, making up 5.8% of the population.
Professor Sekhar Bandyopadhyay, a leading academic on diaspora movements, believes the shift reflects New Zealand’s strategic positioning. “The education-to-residency route is seen as achievable, which makes it very attractive,” he noted. Students can stay and work for up to three years post-study, allowing time to pursue permanent residency.
New visa reforms rolled out in March 2025 aim to make hiring skilled workers simpler for employers and reduce barriers for migrants. These changes include extended visa durations and reduced experience requirements – a move welcomed by both industry and community leaders.
Richard Howard, a prominent immigration adviser, credits New Zealand’s consistent and family-friendly immigration policies for its rising popularity. He points out that other destinations have grown restrictive: Canada has introduced tougher caps, Australia has become stricter with student visas, and Britain offers fewer post-study opportunities.
On a cultural front, integration has been bolstered by the growing presence of Indian cultural festivals. Events such as Diwali and Holi are now widely celebrated, with attendance often exceeding tens of thousands. These celebrations reflect a deepening cultural imprint that also fosters cross-community bonding.
Mental health practitioner Apoorva Rajashekar, who moved from India to study in Auckland in 2016, is now a citizen residing in Wellington. Though the early years were challenging, she now celebrates both her Indian heritage and Kiwi lifestyle. “I’ve learnt to create space for both,” she said.
Deputy Chief Operating Officer of Immigration New Zealand, Jeannie Melville, confirmed India is now a key market, not just for education and tourism, but as a crucial contributor to the economy. “Immigration fuels our workforce needs, and our collaboration with Indian institutions ensures smoother pathways for migrants.”
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s recent diplomatic outreach to India, which includes resuming free trade negotiations and establishing direct flights by 2028, is expected to further deepen ties between the two nations.
With supportive policies, community acceptance, and ample professional opportunities, New Zealand is poised to remain a top destination for Indian migrants seeking stability, success, and a sense of belonging.
