Hato Hone St John is opening a line of communication to paramedic graduates in Wales who have been left without employment prospects in their home country. The invitation comes as the Welsh Ambulance Service halts the recruitment of newly qualified paramedics this year, leaving a cohort of healthcare professionals searching for opportunities abroad.
The move is a response to reports that Welsh students are being encouraged to seek entry-level roles in Novel Zealand, Australia, and Canada. Although St John is open to dialogue, the organization has clarified that its primary recruitment focus remains on experienced clinicians and local candidates to ensure operational stability.
Dan Ohs, deputy chief executive for ambulance operations at Hato Hone St John, confirmed that the service currently has approximately 50 vacancies for paramedics, with the majority of these roles located in rural regions. However, he noted that the transition for UK graduates can be more complex than for those from other regions.
Recruitment hurdles for newly qualified paramedics
The crisis in Wales stems from what the BBC reports as “financial and operational issues” within the Welsh Ambulance Service. These constraints have led to a freeze on hiring newly qualified paramedics, creating a bottleneck for graduates who have completed their training but cannot find a placement within the national health system.
For those considering a move to the South Pacific, the path is not without challenges. Mr. Ohs explained that the organization’s preference for hiring follows a specific hierarchy based on the level of support required for integration into the New Zealand healthcare environment.
“In terms of paramedics coming into New Zealand from overseas, our experience is that UK graduates tend to require more support than an Australian or a New Zealand graduate,” Ohs said. He further detailed the priority order: “For those who haven’t worked in the emergency ambulance sector before, our preference is to employ firstly from New Zealand, second from Australia, and then if we’re looking to the UK, we really seem to experienced paramedics and Kiwis who are returning.”
Despite these preferences, the organization is encouraging those affected by the Welsh recruitment freeze to initiate contact. “If you are looking to apply for a role in New Zealand, we’re always happy to talk to you,” Ohs said, adding that he is not yet aware of any graduates who have formally applied following the recent reports.
Navigating the New Zealand Green List
To facilitate the arrival of essential healthcare workers, the New Zealand government utilizes a “Green List” of roles that are in high demand. Ambulance paramedics are currently classified as a Green List Tier 1 role.
This classification is significant since it allows eligible workers to apply for “Straight to Residence,” bypassing some of the traditional hurdles associated with work-to-residence visa pathways. According to Peter Elms, Director of Visas at Immigration New Zealand, this status was granted to paramedics in May 2023.
However, the transition from graduate to resident requires meeting several strict criteria. To qualify for the visa, applicants must:
- Secure a job offer from an accredited employer.
- Be formally registered with the Paramedic Council.
- Meet the national median wage requirements.
Data from Immigration New Zealand indicates a small but successful stream of UK applicants. Between April 1, 2025, and April 8, 2026, the agency received 23 applications from paramedics from Great Britain, all 23 of which were approved.
Experience vs. Qualification
A tension exists between the immediate necessitate for staff in rural New Zealand and the preference for experienced clinicians. While the Green List provides a legal pathway for migration, it does not guarantee employment. A spokesperson from the Minister of Immigration’s office clarified that the Green List requirements are generally designed for professionals with established experience rather than those who are newly graduated.
| Requirement | Detail | Source/Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | Job offer from accredited employer | Immigration NZ |
| Certification | Registration with Paramedic Council | Immigration NZ |
| Compensation | Must meet the median wage | Immigration NZ |
| Visa Pathway | Straight to Residence | Green List Tier 1 |
This creates a complex situation for Welsh graduates: they possess the academic qualifications and the government’s “Green List” approval in principle, but they may lack the professional experience that Hato Hone St John prefers for overseas hires. The 50 current vacancies, predominantly in rural areas, represent a critical need, but the “support” required for UK graduates—who may be unfamiliar with New Zealand’s specific clinical protocols and rural geography—remains a primary consideration for the employer.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Individuals seeking to migrate should consult official Immigration New Zealand guidelines.
The next phase for interested graduates will involve direct outreach to Hato Hone St John to determine if their specific qualifications meet the operational needs of rural New Zealand. Further updates on the Welsh Ambulance Service’s financial status and its ability to resume hiring are expected as the new fiscal cycle progresses.
We invite readers to share their thoughts or experiences with international medical recruitment in the comments below.
