New Zealand and India signed a Free Trade Agreement in New Delhi on 27 April 2026. The agreement includes a Working Holiday Scheme for 1,000 Indians aged 18 to 30 and a separate quota of 5,000 Temporary Employment Entry visas for skilled Indian professionals each year.
Working Holiday Scheme
The Working Holiday Scheme provides a multiple-entry visa valid for 12 months. It allows young Indian citizens to travel in New Zealand and take up short-term work opportunities during the visa period.
Temporary Employment Entry Visas
The agreement provides 5,000 annual Temporary Employment Entry visas for skilled Indian professionals. These visas allow stays of up to three years and cover sectors such as information technology, engineering, healthcare, education, and construction.
Eligible Occupations
The professional visa category includes specialised roles such as AYUSH practitioners, yoga instructors, chefs, and music teachers. These occupations are listed within the broader skilled-worker framework of the agreement.
Agreement Timeline
The Free Trade Agreement was finalised in December 2025 and signed in April 2026. The visa regulations are expected to take effect around late July 2026.
Last Modified: April 29, 2026