In recent years, Auckland,
New Zealand, has become a sought-after destination for many young Indian migrants, primarily those in their late 20s to early 30s. Armed with dreams of a better livelihood and a desire for new opportunities, these migrants arrive in the city on various visas—work visas, student visas, and partner visas. They seek to establish themselves, hoping to contribute to New Zealand’s economy and build a prosperous life. However, the journey is not always as smooth as anticipated, with many facing challenges, particularly in finding employment.
The Visa Pathway: Opportunity or Uncertainty?
Many Indian migrants arrive in New Zealand on the Skilled Migrant Visa, Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), or through student pathways with aspirations of landing stable jobs that align with their qualifications. These visa programs offer a promising start, but the reality of securing employment in Auckland’s evolving job market can be a tough and time-consuming experience.
For instance, a migrant who recently moved to Auckland on a Skilled Migrant Visa shared his experience of facing months of uncertainty. His visa stipulated that he had to find a job within one year to stay in the country, yet it took him nearly nine months to secure a position in his field. During this time, the pressure of a looming deadline and the competitive job market took a toll on his mental and financial well-being. His story is not an isolated one; there are many couples where one partner holds an AEWV and supports the household while the other struggles to find work.

Navigating the Job Market
The New Zealand job market, particularly in the wake of economic shifts and global uncertainties, has become more competitive. For newly arrived migrants, it is often difficult to secure employment despite having relevant qualifications and experience. Many face challenges such as a lack of local experience, unfamiliarity with New Zealand’s job application processes, or a limited network of professional contacts in the country.
Job-seeking can become a prolonged and arduous process, with some migrants needing to take up temporary or part-time roles outside their area of expertise simply to meet financial obligations. This adds to the stress of adjusting to a new culture and way of life.
Adjusting to Life in Auckland
Aside from the professional struggles, settling into a new country presents its own set of challenges. Migrants often have to adapt to new customs, a different pace of life, and, for some, the language barrier. Auckland’s multicultural environment does offer some relief, with Indian communities providing support through social events and cultural gatherings. However, integrating into the broader society can be more difficult when faced with these cultural differences.
Despite these hurdles, there is much to appreciate about living in Auckland. The city’s natural beauty is undeniable—lush parks, serene beaches, and breathtaking landscapes offer a stark contrast to the bustling cities of India. Auckland’s relatively clean air, good public transport system, and better work-life balance make it a desirable place for many migrants.

A Harsh Reality for New Migrants
The road ahead for many Indian migrants in Auckland is not just bumpy—it’s often bleak, with no clear respite in sight. The dream of a better livelihood is clouded by the harsh realities of a stagnant job market, long waits, and relentless job applications. For many, the beauty of Auckland’s landscapes and clean environment is the only consolation as they grapple with uncertainty.
While Auckland may still hold the promise of opportunity, it remains out of reach for many who arrived with hopes of quick success. Patience and perseverance are no longer just virtues—they have become survival tools for those navigating the complexities of life in a new country. The “Auckland dream” is increasingly looking like just that—a dream, where beautiful sceneries mask the difficult, often painful journey of securing a stable future. -Sakshi Agrawal, is an Auckland based IT Business Analyst and is a new migrant to New Zealand.