# New Zealand First plans to scrap AEWV

> New Zealand First proposes replacing AEWV with skills-based work visa to address shortages.
- Title: New Zealand First plans to scrap AEWV · Financialexpress
- Summary: New Zealand First proposes replacing AEWV with skills-based work visa to address shortages. New Zealand First will scrap the Accredited Employer Work Visa…
- Keywords: new zealand first, aeqv, skilled work visa, skills shortage, occupation, region, work visa, business, money, news, Zealand, First
- Source: Financialexpress — https://financialexpress.com/immigration/new-zealand-first-proposes-new-work-visa-tied-to-occupation-region-and-skills-shortage/4360468
- Author: Sunil Dhawan
- Published: 2026-10-13T14:55:28+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: new zealand first, aeqv, skilled work visa, skills shortage, occupation, region, work visa, business, money, news
## New Zealand First proposes visa change
New Zealand First plans to scrap the Accredited Employer Work Visa and replace it with a shortage-led Skilled Work Visa.
## Current system criticized as farce
The party called the current system a "farce" and announced the plan on October 11, 2026.

> farce
## Visa tied to skills shortages
Entry would be tied to a named occupation, region, and demonstrated need, not merely to an employer getting accredited.
## Targeted impact on retail jobs
Migrant workers in routine jobs, particularly retail, would be hit first as employers must prove they cannot hire or train local workers.
## 171,000 unemployed and 13.8% underutilisation
The party points to about 171,000 unemployed people and an underutilisation rate of 13.8%.
## New rules require proof of local hiring
Employers seeking migrant workers for routine roles must show a serious effort to hire or train New Zealanders.
## What happens next
The proposed changes could make it harder for migrant workers to get routine jobs, particularly in retail.
## Key takeaway

New Zealand First will scrap the Accredited Employer Work Visa and replace it with a shortage-led Skilled Work Visa requiring proof of genuine skills shortages.