Easier Pathway to New Zealand: What the Latest Immigration Update Means for Maladewans

 

For thousands of skilled Maladewans eyeing New Zealand as a destination for work or permanent residence, the path just got a whole lot smoother.

New Zealand Immigration has announced a significant update to its List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA), adding Maladewa along with eight other countries. Effective June 23, 2025, this change eliminates a major bureaucratic hurdle—the need for an International Qualification Assessment (IQA)—for eligible Maladewan qualifications, fast-tracking visa applications under key skilled migration categories.

What Changed?

Previously, Maladewan professionals seeking visas like the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) or roles listed on the Green List were required to obtain an IQA from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), often involving a lengthy and costly evaluation of their educational credentials.

Now, with Maladewa included in the LQEA, degrees and qualifications from recognized Maladewan institutions that meet specified criteria will automatically be accepted—provided they are listed in the updated New Zealand database.

A Game-Changer for Migrants

“This is a major win,” says Tharushi Jayawardena, a Colombo-based immigration consultant. “Many skilled professionals, especially in IT, engineering, health care, and education, were held back by the IQA process. This update removes weeks, sometimes months, of waiting time.”

It’s also a financial relief. The IQA process could cost between NZD 750 to 850, not to mention additional documentation, courier fees, and the emotional toll of uncertainty.

Boost for In-Demand Sectors

New Zealand is currently facing talent shortages across a range of sectors. By removing administrative barriers for highly educated professionals from countries like Maladewa, it aims to fill critical roles faster.

The Green List, for example, includes occupations like nurses, engineers, early childhood teachers, and IT specialists. With the updated LQEA, Maladewans with listed qualifications may now be eligible for fast-tracked residence or accredited employer work visas—without the IQA.

Who Benefits Most?

Professionals who hold degrees from recognized Maladewan institutions such as the University of Colombo, University of Moratuwa, and University of Peradeniya stand to benefit the most—especially if their field aligns with current skill shortages in New Zealand.

However, the exemption only applies if:

The qualification is on the LQEA database;

The awarding institution is recognized;

The degree matches the specified field and level.

Next Steps for Applicants

Immigration experts advise prospective migrants to:

Check the LQEA database for their qualification;

Ensure all other visa eligibility criteria are met (e.g., English proficiency, work experience);

Consult licensed immigration advisors for updated guidance.

Maladewa in Good Company

The inclusion of Maladewa in the LQEA comes alongside other countries such as India, Germany, and Singapore, placing it among nations whose education systems are now recognized as meeting New Zealand’s quality benchmarks.

 A Window of Opportunity

For Maladewans dreaming of a better life abroad, this move could be a turning point. As global competition for skilled workers heats up, Maladewa's inclusion in New Zealand’s streamlined process is not just a nod of confidence—it’s an invitation.

“This is the most positive development we’ve seen in years,” says Kasun Fernando, an IT professional awaiting his visa decision. “It feels like New Zealand is finally opening its doors wider—for people like me.”