Sneha Sivadas, an experienced international nurse, is leaving New Zealand after spending thousands of dollars and months trying to secure a nursing job, despite the country’s nursing shortages, Stuff has reported. Sivadas, 38, who has nine years of experience working for the Ministry of Health in Kuwait, moved to New Zealand hoping for better career opportunities. However, she was unable to land a single interview after applying for numerous positions.
Sivadas resigned from her stable job in Kuwait to pursue nursing in New Zealand, where she completed the Competence Assessment Programme (CAP) required for internationally qualified nurses. She spent $20,000 on the course and her living expenses in Auckland, using up her life savings. Now, after being told she needs a work visa to be employed, she is returning to her home country, India, in October.
“I didn’t expect this,” said Sivadas. “There were many job opportunities when I started my process [in July 2023], but now employers tell me I need a work visa to work in New Zealand.” She noted that only three out of 140 students from her CAP batch were able to secure jobs, despite widespread nursing shortages across the country.
Her story is not unique. According to Seju Cherian, a board member of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation, there are at least 365 international nurses struggling to find work in New Zealand. He pointed out a major obstacle: while the Nursing Council issues an annual practising certificate allowing these nurses to work, many cannot secure job offers without a work visa. At the same time, immigration authorities require a job offer before granting a work visa, creating a “catch-22” situation.
"Nurses are leaving the country,” said Cherian. "Employers used to support visa applications for nurses, but that's no longer the case. The system needs to change."
Cherian urged Immigration New Zealand to offer a six-month or one-year job search visa for registered nurses, which would ease the process for both employers and applicants.
In response, Immigration New Zealand’s Director of Visa Operations, Jock Gilray, stated that nurses completing CAP can apply for a visitor visa to search for work. However, he added that a job offer is necessary to apply for work or residence visas, ensuring migrants fill genuine gaps in the labour market.
Despite the challenges, Sivadas is preparing to leave New Zealand with disappointment. “My husband said we cannot go backward,” she said. “I’ve already booked my return tickets.”
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