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    Month: June 2021

    No Quick Fix For New Zealand’s Labour Market Mess

    Posted on by admin

    The Covid-19 pandemic has put everything on hold – especially businesses. In the ongoing situation, no one wants to run/start a new business. Some of the well-established and old businesses are also struggling. Most companies are waiting for long-term solutions as no one can rely on continued availability of migrant workers due to closed borders and frequent shifting of goalposts by Immigration New Zealand (INZ).

    The government is working continuously to formulate new policies to boost kiwi employment that will favour local recruitment. For example, in October, the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) changed the process for hiring migrant workers under the Essential Skills Work Visa category.. To give Kiwis the first crack at jobs, the MSD created regional lists of occupations with an oversupply of local job seekers.

    To concur with this, MSD said they would issue a skills match report to support an employer’s visa application for migrant workers to rectify the previously failed list. On the other hand, companies say that under the revised system, the MSD rarely provides skills match reports to support visa applications if the role remains on the oversupply list.

    No one knows when this tug-of-war will end as COVID-19 is getting stronger day-by-day with new variants emerging.

    For reference link – Click here

    Hopelessness And Frustration Due To Continued Suspension Of Parent Residence Visa Category

    Posted on by admin

    In 2016, Immigration New Zealand suspended the parent category visa, which put many parents in a dilemma. However, in 2020, the government re-opened the programme along with another 1000 visas.

    Migrants who have waited more than five years to have their parents settle in New Zealand are calling for the government to front up on when residence applications will restart.

    More than 8500 parents of overseas-born residents and citizens are among more than the 5000 Expressions of Interest (EOI) for residence that have been filed, but no one is being selected to apply.

    The process was suspended at the same time as Skilled Migrant Residence Selections. In a statement, a spokesperson for Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi said the government continued to assess when EOI selections can take place but added that there was no timeframe on when decisions would be made.

    Reference: Click here 

    Temporary Work Visa Transition Information For Employers

    Posted on by admin

    With effect from 1 November 2021, a single Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) replaces the following six temporary work visas:

    • Essential Skills Work Visa
    • Essential Skills Work Visa — approved in principle
    • Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa
    • Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa
    • Silver Fern Job Search Visa (closed 7 October 2019)
    • Silver Fern Practical Experience Visa

    Effect On Employers Hiring Migrants

    As a precursor to the new Accredited Employer Work Visa policy, three of the existing accreditation and approval in principle policies stand non-effective from 30 June 2021. The three policies declared non-effective from 30 June 2021 are:

    • Accredited Employer (Talent- Accredited Employer)
    • Approval in Principle (Essential Skills)
    • Labour Hire Accreditation (Essential Skills)

    As evident, those employers unable to apply for a new status or renew a current status under these policies will no longer be able to do so from 30 June 2021.

    Effect On Migrant Employees

    Until 31 October 2021, Migrants will be able to apply for temporary work visas, like Essential Skills and Talent (Accredited Employer) Work to Residence visa. Thereafter, Accredited Employer Work Visa will have to be applied for.

    Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Application Process

    The new AEWV application process will be a three-step employer-led process. Before hiring a migrant on the AEWV employers form 01 November 2021 onwards will need to:

    • Have accreditation under the new system.
    • Apply for a job check to New Zealanders availability.
    • Request a migrant worker to apply for a visa.

    As part of the job check, the migrant will need to meet the skills and experience stipulated by the employer for the role.

    Just So That You Know

    • Employers will be able to hire migrants under the Essential Skills visa category without accreditation or approval in principle, up until 31 October 2021.
    • Employers who already employ a migrant on a temporary work visa don’t need to keep their accreditation active for the duration of the migrant’s visa.

    Important Timelines To Remember

    Employers who depend on the migrant workforce in their business must be mindful of important timelines in the interest of their employees.

    To be able to use one of these employer accreditation or approval in principle policies between now and 31 October 2021, holding appropriate status is critical e.g

    • If your current status is due to expire between now and 31 October 2021, and you want to use it over this time, you must apply to renew this by 30 June 2021.
    • If your status isn’t due to expire before 31 October 2021, you don’t need to do anything at this time.
    • New applications must be submitted by 30 June 2021. As long as they are submitted by this date, they will continue to be processed.

    Additional Information For Migrants

    • The changes to accredited employer work visas will not affect other work visas holders under this new regime.
    • Migrants who have a Work to Residence visa can still apply for residence after 31 October 2021.
    • Migrants who have a current temporary work visa will not be affected by these changes as long as they meet their visa conditions and their visa remains valid.

    Temporary Work Visas Not Affected Under New Policy

    • Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Limited Visa
    • Working holiday schemes
    • Post-study Work Visa
    • Fishing Crew Work Visa
    • Religious Worker Work Visa
    • Specific Purpose Work Visa
    • Partnership work visas including Partner of a Worker Work Visa, Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa, and a Partner of a Student Work Visa.
    • Work visas granted for international or humanitarian reasons, such as domestic staff of diplomats, consular and official staff, and for refugee or protection status claimants.

    Conclusion

    • Employers will be able to apply for accreditation from late September, ahead of the 1 November 2021 introduction date.
    • Employers don’t need to be accredited in the new system by 1 November 2021 if they do not plan to start hiring migrants on AEWVs at this time.
    • Employers only need to be accredited under the new system to start hiring migrants on AEWVs.
    • Employers who want to start hiring migrants on AEWVs soon after 1 November 2021 should consider applying during the pre-accreditation period.
    • Businesses employing migrants who hold a current talent or essential skill visa don’t need to become accredited until they want to hire someone on the new visa.

    If you have any queries regarding any of the temporary work visa, please contact us. Our team of experienced Licenced Immigration Advisers is here to assist you with all your immigration-related

    queries and confusions; please contact us by sending an email at contact@nzimmigration.info or call us on +64 09 3790219

    Ref: Click here

     

    Get Ready To Study Online With FutureLearn: A New Zealand Government Initiative

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    In this ongoing covid situation, parents and students all across the world are seeking ways to get around the inability to travel while the borders remain closed in New Zealand. The pandemic has taught the globe all of the new methods to survive that are possible.

    While the majority of the world’s students face physical limitations, the education sector has responded by capitalizing on the tremendous potential of online learning. Virtual mobility has evolved as a way for persons who are unable to physically traverse borders to benefit from some of the traits and advantages of international education.

    With all these facts in mind, New Zealand announced the beginning of a new initiative with FutureLearn this week, which will bring online courses from various New Zealand education providers on a common platform to more than 15 million learners across the world. The country is offering a New Zealand education to those who can’t be onshore due to COVID-19 restrictions via this initiative. They are also reaching out to a broader audience of students looking for online options and building a pipeline of students interested in studying in New Zealand.

    Through this initiative, ENZ is assisting the worldwide education sector by encouraging online engagement with a global audience. The collaboration with Future Learn allows New Zealand to explore the value of marketing New Zealand content online under a national banner, as well as the advantages of collaborating with other third parties that already have online audiences.

    FutureLearn offers high-quality online courses that allow learners to gain skills and upskill in areas of interest or necessity from the comfort of their own homes, with the option to transition into on campus study once the border opens. Short courses from universities, English language and TESOL educators, vocational/institutes of technology, and edtech educators, including virtual reality creators and game designers, are among the New Zealand resources gathered for this initiative.

    It’s worth noting that sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor in a student’s study choices. To meet this need, more than half of the courses offered as part of this initiative are focused on sustainability. Teaching and learning for sustainable education, English language for sustainability, and growing a sustainable workforce are just a few of the courses available.

    Now for those who want detailed information, here are the top 5 reasons to study online with FutureLearn.

    Reason 1: Study Whenever It’s Convenient For You

    When it comes to online learning, flexibility is probably the first thing that comes to mind. Create a timetable that works for you when studying online with FutureLearn. You can not only pick your learning speed, but you can also schedule your studies around your work, family, and personal obligations. As a result, anyone looking for additional flexibility may consider learning online. Maintain a healthy work-life balance by taking advantage of on-demand learning opportunities.

    Reason 2: Access High-quality Education From Anywhere In The World

    Get a future-oriented education right at your fingertips. With FutureLearn, you may earn professional and academic credentials through on-demand and online courses taught by renowned educators and academics from top universities across the world. From the comfort of your own home, learn more about New Zealand’s passion for creative and collaborative thinking by exploring some of their most inspiring and innovative institutions.

    Reason 3: Expert Advice Will Help You Enhance Your Career

    Are you trying to figure out how to go ahead? With a FutureLearn course, you can make your CV stand out. Take control of your career development by learning from industry leaders. Experts from famous worldwide brands are on hand at FutureLearn to help you gain real-world skills that employers value. Choose a program that suits you among FutureLearn’s micro-credentials, online degrees, and short courses. It is not necessary to be a student to participate. In truth, there are numerous courses and short programs designed just for professionals who want to improve their abilities.

    Reason 4: Collaborate In A Classroom With Millions Of Students

    It’s a frequent misperception that studying online is lonely because you’re not in the same room as your peers. This, however, does not have to be the case. You’ll be able to learn alongside and collaborate with peers from all across the world through FutureLearn programs.

    Reason 5: With The Help Of New Zealand Institutions, You Can Learn To Think Critically & Solve Problems

    The distinctive teaching method in New Zealand pushes students to think critically and solve problems, skills that will prepare them for a successful worldwide career. FutureLearn has made it easier than ever to get started with some of New Zealand’s most prestigious institutions. There are various courses to pick from, including English language schools, institutes of technology, universities, and more.

    So, what exactly are you waiting for? Start your future-oriented education right now, no matter where you are. At every stage of your learning experience, think critically and collaborate with your online peers to solve problems. Don’t waste time in this pandemic situation, keep your ongoing study with FutureLearn online, & when the border will open, you can easily come, stay, & study in New Zealand. It is pertinent to note that, according to the Global Peace Index for 2020, New Zealand is ranked as the world’s second safest country, inspiring students from all over the world to study here. And presently Auckland is named as the world’s most liveable city according to a recent survey.

    Note: Commencing your study offshore online does not guarantee that you will be granted a student visa. You must still meet the normal immigration requirements of a student visa application (such as funds, health and character requirements). However, you stand your best chance by going through us at Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd.

    Reference :

    10,000 People On WHV Given Extension, Border Exemptions For 200 Dairy Farm Workers And 50 Veterinarians

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    Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi has announced that the expiry date of 10,000 people who came to New Zealand on a working holiday or seasonal work visa has been extended by six months to address labor shortages.

    They would also be granted open work rights by being able to work for any employer in light of a shortage after their original visa expires.

    Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor has also announced that from the end of December, border exemptions are being granted to a further 200 dairy farm workers and 50 veterinarians over the next year in order to help relieve staffing issues.

    The border exception has been allowed for 150 dairy farm managers (earning more than $79,500) and 50 workers who make above the median wage, as well as veterinarians with at least two to three years of experience.

    Employers will need to foot the bill for MIQ stay and pay the workers’ salaries for those two weeks. The government seems to be under pressure to do more for split migrant families: workers on visas who were not able to bring their family members with them due to the border restrictions.

    Reference Link –  Seasonal Work NZ Updates

    Update On Visa Extensions, New Visa Expiry Dates, and Changes To Visa Conditions

    Posted on by admin

    On 10th June, Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi has extended the validity of onshore Working Holiday visas (WHV) and Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) visas that expire between 21 June and 31 December 2021 by six months.

    He said that the move would remove uncertainties in the case of migrant workers and also address the skills shortage faced by employers. It is also said that if the conditions of the borders demand so the visas will be extended further.

    WHV holders will continue to be able to work in any employment, except permanent employment. Supplementary Seasonal Employment visa holders will be given open work rights to work in any sector when their visas are extended.

    CONDITION FOR VISA EXTENSION

    Working Holiday Visa holders

    1. Have to be onshoree., in New Zealand on 14th June 2021 to get the extension.
    2. They will be contacted by 25 June 2021 by Immigration of New Zealand in order to confirm the extension of visa.
    3. Can use the confirmation email from Immigration of New Zealand (INZ) as an authentication for working while engaging with prospective employers.

    Supplementary Seasonal Employer (SSE) work visas expiring between 30 June 2021 and 31 December 2021 are being extended for six months as well. The conditions are similar to that of WHV.

    • Visa holders must be in New Zealand on 14 June 2021 to get the extension.
    • INZ will contact visa holders by 25 June 2021 confirming their extension.

    From 14 June 2021 SSE visa holders will have open work rights allowing them to work in any sector.

    UPDATE ON ESSENTIAL SKILLS VISA: MEDIAN WAGE

    While the current Essential Skills visas will not be extended, the Minister of Immigration has increased the duration of new Essential Skills visas for those who are paid below the median wage from 6 months to 12 months.

    This change applies to all visas granted on and after 10 June 2021, even in cases where the application was made while the instructions still specified a six-month duration.

    From 19 July, Essential Skills visa applications will be assessed using the median hourly wage of NZD$27.00, in line with the 2020 Statistics New Zealand median wage. It will continue to be a requirement that Essential Skills visa holders are given and paid for at least 30 hours of work per week.

    Employers will still need to prove they have been genuinely unsuccessful at attracting a New Zealander into the role before offering it to a temporary migrant.

    The stand-down period for Essential Skills work visa holders who are paid below the median wage, which would require them to leave New Zealand for 12 months after three years (four years for healthcare workers) before they can apply for another lower-paid Essential Skills work visa, will be further postponed until July 2022.

    UPDATE ON DAIRY FARM WORKERS

    For the border exceptions of dairy farm workers, the Minister of Immigration is also introducing a border exception for up to 150 Dairy Herd Managers, 50 Dairy Farm Workers and 50 veterinarians. INZ is finalising details with industry bodies and the Ministry of Primary Industries about this border exception and more information will be provided as these are confirmed.

    If you have any queries regarding any of the above visa category extension, please contact us. Our team of experienced Licenced Immigration Advisers is here to assist you with all your immigration-related queries and confusions, please contact us by sending an email at contact@nzimmigration.info or call us on +64 09 3790219

    Study Online: Academic Mobility vs Physical Mobility

    Posted on by admin

    Parents and students worldwide are looking at options where the inability to travel can be overcome while the borders are closed. The pandemic has taught the world all the possible new ways of survival.

    The education industry has responded by tapping into the vast potential of online learning while most of the world’s students have barriers to their physical mobility. The virtual mobility has emerged as a means by which those unable to move physically across borders can enjoy some of the qualities and benefits of international education.

    International student education was always important, but now it is getting transformed. While the short-term picture is not very encouraging, the long-term picture is healthier.

    New Zealand education providers have been at the forefront of this transformation, and “Studying in New Zealand – Online“ is increasingly becoming popular. Getting a degree from world ranked universities of New Zealand is a dream of many young students, which is now within reach. It also comes with benefits that have are being highlighted here to motivate you further.

    Is it affordable and doable?

    Studying abroad used to be an expensive affair till the pandemic. Now, students who want to start online can pay tuition fees per paper vis-a-vis earlier, where they had to pay yearly. They also save on living costs. For deserving students, scholarships are also available.

    The students can start the course online, and when borders open, transition into face to face classes after visa approval. The learning processes aren’t rigid anymore in the online format; teaching lessons and completing assignments are all flexible.

    The benefits are innumerable, and students also get to know the NZ learning environment sitting in the comfort of their own home.

    What if the border closure persists?

    The efforts and emotions put into completing the degree don’t go in vain, even if the borders remain closed for a more extended period than expected.

    A student who is enrolled in a master’s program has an option to complete a few papers online at their own pace and convenience, take a break after that and complete remaining papers on-campus after the border opens.

    Post-study work visa eligibility

    Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has stipulated that students who commence their studies online from overseas and then transfer to study on campus in New Zealand at a later date are eligible to apply for a post-study work visa. However, they must still complete 30 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand. We at Immigration Advisers New Zealand factor this into our counselling and immigration advice to you.

    Commencing your study offshore online does not guarantee that you will be granted a student visa. You must still meet the normal immigration requirements of a student visa application (such as funds, health and character requirements). However, you stand your best chance by going through us at Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd.

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