Immigration back track

The government backed down on several proposed immigration policy changes that would have made it that much more difficult for employers to recruit skilled workers.

·       Deferring any restriction to work rights for partners of work visa holders until April 2023.

·       Providing nurses and midwives with an immediate pathway to residence.

·       Adding specialist doctors to the green list so they have a direct pathway to residence.

·       More places allocated for working holiday visas applicants.

·       Developing a limited pathway to residence for bus and truck drivers given the chronic shortage in NZ.

·       Extension of employer accreditation status for 12 months.

There is one key change affecting all employers (and migrant workers) still set to proceed next year. The median wage will increase to $29.66 an hour (up from $27.76). This wage rate is used to assess job checks and Accredited Employer Work Visas(AEWV) applications lodged from 27/02/2023 onwards.

Migrant workers earning less than $29.66 who wish to remain longer in NZ should apply for a new work visa before 27 February 2023 otherwise they may need to leave NZ. Employers looking to recruit migrant workers in jobs paying less than new median wage should take immigration advice now.

As we head toward election 2023 it will be interesting to see what other immigration policy announcements emerge from the government and new ideas from opposition parties.

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