Backdown on Partner Visa for Migrant Workers

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The government has made a U-turn on plans to make it harder for partners of migrant workers to secure work visas.

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From 31 May, migrant workers holding Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWV) can support partners to secure work rights. Partners will be able to work for any accredited employer provided they are paid at least the median wage (currently $29.66 per hour). The partner can move between accredited employers without any changes to their work visa provided they keep earning the median wage or higher and working for an accredited employer.

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Migrant workers holding an AEWV based on a job that is on the NZ Green List or are paid twice the median wage can support partners to secure open work rights. This will allow the partner to work for any employer (doesn’t have to be accredited), in any job and in any region of NZ.

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There is more detail to rollout. The press release said “most migrant workers” which means not every partner will be eligible. We will update you once the policy is released – in the world of immigration the devil is always in the detail.

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