New Zealand Working Holiday Visa
Now a new and important chapter has been added to the relations between India and New Zealand. Both the countries have made such an agreement under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is not limited to just business, but is directly related to the future of Indian youth, professionals and students. The purpose of this agreement is to increase connectivity among people, to provide new opportunities to skilled talent and to make the paths of study and work easier.
Big deal completed after almost 10 years
Talks on FTA between India and New Zealand were stuck for a long time. After almost a decade, discussions started again in March 2025 and the great thing was that this agreement was completed in record time. This is considered to be one of the fastest trade agreements of India with any developed country. Earlier, India had made such agreements with Britain and Oman, while talks are still going on with America and European Union.
Working Holiday Visa: A chance to travel while earning
The Working Holiday Visa Framework is no less than a dream for the youth. Under this, Indians aged 18 to 30 years can go to New Zealand every year, where they will be able to work as well as travel for 12 months. The special thing about this visa is that by working there one can defray the expenses of living, food and travel.
Special focus on youth and talent
The biggest feature of this FTA is that employment and mobility have been kept at the center in it. This will directly benefit the Indian youth, who will now get more opportunities to work, learn and gain international experience in New Zealand. India is being seen as a major source of skilled and semi-skilled workforce.
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New avenues for work visa opened
Under the agreement, a new temporary work visa route has been created. Through this, about 5000 Indian professionals will be able to stay and work in New Zealand for three years at a time. This includes sectors like IT, engineering, healthcare, education and construction. The special thing is that Indian professions like Yoga Instructor, AYUSH Practitioner, Indian Chef and Music Teacher have also been given a place in it.
Big relief for students
This agreement is also very special on the education front, for the first time New Zealand has made a separate agreement with any country regarding student mobility and post-study work. There will be no limit on the number of Indian students now. During their studies, they will be able to work up to 20 hours a week, which will make it easier to manage the expenses of their studies.
Students pursuing STEM-related bachelor’s and master’s courses will get the opportunity to work for three years after their studies, while students pursuing PhD will be able to get a post-study work visa for four years.
What will change for Indian youth?
This agreement will open new doors for education, job and global experience. India-New Zealand relations are no longer limited to just trade but are now linked to people’s dreams and careers. Its impact can be seen on the lives of thousands of Indian youth in the coming years.