ImmiNews

Hundreds of overseas engineers needed for Government projects

Hundreds of overseas engineers needed for Government projects

Hundreds of overseas engineers are urgently needed to deliver shovel-ready Government projects on time, according to a new survey of the construction sector.

In 2020, the Government launched a $3 billion fund to get major projects underway, with the vision to create new job opportunities. However, border restrictions impacted the ability to recruit high-skilled engineers, resulting in potentially endless delays.

The survey revealed that the sector needs to hire 2,100 engineers and consultants in 2021, with as many as 460 positions having to be filled by overseas workers.

Under current border restrictions, Immigration New Zealand is granting exceptional entry permits on a case-by-case basis, but criteria remain strict.