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New Visa opens doors for entrepreneurs in the Region


New Visa opens doors for entrepreneurs in the Region

The new Global Impact Visa (GIV), announced today by the Ministry of Immigration, Michael Woodhouse, will be of great value to region's like Nelson.

The visa aims to bring in migrant entrepreneurs who have the drive and capabilities to create and support innovation-based ventures in New Zealand and its regions, and provide them with the right support to rapidly operate effectively within the New Zealand business environment. GIVs will also help to achieve the Government’s objectives to grow investment and entrepreneurship in New Zealand.

An end to end programme will support the visa (attraction, selection and integration) and will be run by a private sector partner who will be responsible for representing the interests of interested and capable private sector parties. The key objective will be to bring in a select few high-impact entrepreneurs, investors and start-up teams who have the drive and capabilities to create and support innovation-based ventures in New Zealand.

Bill Findlater, Chief Executive of the Nelson Regional Economic Development Agency (EDA), believes the concept of GIV is really exciting news for regions such as Nelson. "I meet many overseas business people who, whilst they may not qualify for immigration under the existing criteria for immigration, could well have the potential to bring exciting business ideas for development if given the opportunity".

"Over the years I have led business delegations to China and have also hosted many business people not only from China but also from many other countries such as USA, Europe and other Asian countries. One common theme I’ve noticed is that many of what I would call potential ‘up and comers’ are younger business people who don’t quite meet current criteria but who have the drive, initiatives and innovative ideas for exciting businesses that could have a significant impact on the regional business infrastructure if given the opportunity".

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GIVs will be delivered by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) in partnership with the private sector in a new collaborative approach.

GIVs will be piloted for four years with a cap of 400 participants. Successful GIVs applicants will be granted a 3 year work visa and will become eligible for residence provided they meet criteria that show that they have had an impact on innovation in New Zealand. These criteria will be co-designed with a private sector partner to ensure they are fit for purpose.

Findlater says "Nelson should do everything possible to encourage these entrepreneurs that could do much in stemming the outflow of our younger workforce through the development of new businesses and employment opportunities. Immigration NZ should be commended for giving consideration to such a concept".

ENDS

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