Green Party Critiques 'Elitist' English Language Requirements for Migrant Essential Workers

Green MP Ricardo Menéndez March criticizes New Zealand's "double standard" requiring high English scores for bus drivers while exempting wealthy "Golden Visa" investors.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 30, 2026, 3:10 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

Disparities in Language Proficiency Thresholds

Under current Skilled Migrant Visa regulations, bus drivers are required to achieve a score of at least 6.5 out of 9 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). This benchmark is notably high, often exceeding the requirements for international students entering tertiary education. Conversely, the government has removed English fluency mandates for individuals utilizing the Active Investor Plus Visa commonly referred to as the "Golden Visa" which requires an investment of between $5 million and $10 million into the New Zealand economy.

Strategic Impact on Public Infrastructure

Green MP Ricardo Menéndez March has labeled the testing regime for drivers as "onerous and elitist," particularly given the current global fossil fuel crisis. He argues that public transport is a critical pillar of environmental strategy, yet the government is treating the workforce responsible for maintaining this infrastructure as "disposable." The IELTS exam involves timed essay writing, a technical skill that Menéndez March contends has little practical relevance to the safe and effective operation of a public transport vehicle.

The Human Cost for Essential Drivers

The impact of these regulations is not merely theoretical; hundreds of migrant bus drivers currently face uncertain futures. Many of these workers, who have already integrated into their communities and are capable of holding daily conversations in English, may see their livelihoods terminated if they cannot meet the postgraduate-level writing standards. This creates a significant bottleneck in a sector already struggling with labor shortages, potentially leading to service cancellations and reduced reliability for the commuting public.