There are indications that the NZ Government will make more changes to the work rights of international students after they finish studies.
These changes to the post study work rights are likely to be announced by the Immigration Minister, Iain Lees-Galloway at the forthcoming Education Conference in August.
The public consultation for the proposed changes to student visas closed on 29 June this year.
The expected changes to restrict overseas students to work while studying has disappointed the international education sector which has already seen a drop in student enrolments.
There is a strong feeling if the government cracks down on the ability for students to work, this may decline the education market even further. It would also perhaps be the last straw for some education providers who may have to shut down, as foreign students may chose other destinations to study. 
Last month, the government had initiated its proposal to restrict post study employment to stop exploitation of students by employers and the visa being allegedly used as a pathway to residency.
It is now believed that the focus of the government will turn to work rights while studying.
These proposed changes have not gone down well with the main opposition party.
Michael Woodhouse, former Immigration Minister and National Party’s spokesperson had earlier said the ability of students to work while studying was a major selling point for New Zealand.
“(This) will create further uncertainty in the global market for New Zealand…(and) really going to undermine New Zealand’s attractiveness as a study destination.”
There are also reports of Immigration New Zealand planning to significantly increase the cost of work visa fees.
Under the proposed changes, international students would have to pay $580 each for a work visa cost instead of the current $370. Along with this, the cost for employers to gain an accreditation from Immigration NZ may also go up by 20 percent.
This increase is part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s plan to stem the $43 million deficit of Immigration NZ. This increase may, however, be spread over three or five years and the Parliament would vote on this next month.
Immigration NZ is said to have lost $20m from work visas alone last year and according to the Immigration Minister an increase in migrant trafficking and exploitation was to blame for increasing visa processing costs.
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