Visa rules about to change

Do you employ migrant workers in your business or plan to recruit from offshore? This article is relevant to your workforce recruitment and retention plans.

In December 2022 the government intends to limit work rights for partners of work visa holders. Once these changes go live partners who are in NZ because their partner is working will require job offers from Accredited Employers (who will need to prove no kiwis are available for the job) to qualify for a work visa nz. It is the end of the road for open work visas allowing partners to work in any job and any employer. Employers face a reduced pool of talent as a result.

The median wage increases to $29.66 an hour (up from $27.76) for job checks and Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWV) applications lodged from 27/02/2023 onwards. Anyone earning less than $29.66 wanting to remain longer in NZ should apply for a new work visa before 27 February 2023 otherwise they may need to leave NZ. Employers recruiting migrant workers in jobs paying less than the new 2023 pay rate should take advice now.

In mid-July 2023 the government is considering imposing a restriction on AEWVs by limiting them to a maximum stay of three years. If this change proceeds migrant workers who do not qualify for residence will need to leave New Zealand after three years of employment and cannot return for at least 12 months. This will impact employers who have migrant workers in their business.

Confused? Want to learn more? Talk to our specialist employer team today.