Category: Immigration News

17 Dec 2024 – The New Zealand Government has unveiled significant changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme, aimed at addressing skill shortages and supporting employers in filling critical workforce gaps. The reforms include removing the median wage threshold, reducing experience requirements for visa applicants, and introducing new seasonal visa pathways. These measures, set to roll out in stages throughout 2025, are designed to enhance flexibility for employers while maintaining fairness for migrant workers.

The changes will be implemented as follows:

• January 2025: Accredited employers and Recognised Seasonal Employers will no longer be required to complete Employment New Zealand’s online learning modules or provide migrants with paid time to do so. Construction sector businesses will also see a reduction in the percentage of New Zealanders they are required to employ, from 35% to 15%.
• March 2025: Wage thresholds for AEWV roles will be removed, allowing employers to offer AEWV workers market rates for their roles. Migrants will need two years of relevant work experience instead of the current three years. Employers will no longer need to provide engagement evidence with Work and Income during the Job Check process, streamlining requirements for lower-skilled roles. Additionally, the AEWV duration for lower-skilled migrants will align with their maximum stay at three years, ensuring continuity for current workers.
• April 2025: Some work and student visa holders applying for an AEWV will gain work rights under an Interim Visa while awaiting application outcomes.
• November 2025: Two new seasonal visa pathways will be introduced—a three-year multi-entry visa for experienced workers and a seven-month single-entry visa for lesser-skilled migrants. These pathways will offer additional options for industries reliant on seasonal labour, such as agriculture.
• The Job Check process will also undergo a redesign, from July 2025, to streamline processing times for low-risk employers.

INZ has highlighted the importance of balancing the needs of employers with safeguarding the rights of migrant workers. The removal of wage thresholds and the reduction in experience requirements mark a significant step towards tackling New Zealand’s labour shortages. These changes are designed to attract a wider range of talent and offer greater flexibility to employers, at the same time, ensuring fair and ethical working conditions for migrants remaining a priority.

For further details on the AEWV reforms and their phased implementation, visit the Immigration New Zealand website or contact Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd by emailing contact@nzimmigration.info.

The Workplace Relations and Safety Minister has announced a forthcoming increase in the adult minimum wage to $23.15 per hour, effective from April 1, 2024. This marks a 45-cent per hour raise from the current hourly rate of $22.70. The training and starting-out minimum wages will also rise to $18.52 per hour, remaining at 80% of the adult minimum wage. This represents an increase from the current minimum rate of $18.16 per hour. For an employee working 40 hours a week, the minimum wage increase to $23.15 per hour translates to an additional $18 per week before tax.

The adjustment will result in a pay raise for between 80,000 and 145,000 New Zealand workers who currently earn between the current and new minimum wage rates.

In preparation for the upcoming increase, business owners and managers are advised to engage with their accountant, payroll provider, or finance/HR teams promptly to ensure proper record-keeping. It is essential to verify that employment records, processes, and systems are current to comply with this mandatory requirement for all New Zealand employers in anticipation of the increase.

It is crucial for employers to communicate the impending raise to employees currently on the minimum wage. Consider sending a letter or email (variation of employment contract) to notify them of the new wage.

Furthermore, it’s important to ensure that the necessary parties, including the payroll provider, accountant, lawyer, HR, or finance personnel, are ready to implement the change. If the system is manual or computer-based, it’s imperative to confirm that the settings will be adjusted for the new rates.

Work visa arrivals in New Zealand declined for the second consecutive month, signalling a potential slowdown in the influx of overseas workers since pandemic restrictions were eased. In July, the number of people arriving on work visas dropped to 14,238, down from 16,878 in June and 17,319 in May, according to the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

However, despite the decline, the numbers are still close to pre-pandemic levels, with 102,624 arrivals from February to July this year compared to 111,120 in the same period in 2019. The trend is also reflected in the graph below, indicating that peak numbers may not be reached until January next year. At the end of July, there were 149,220 people in New Zealand on work visas, a significant decrease from the peak of 222,036 in March 2020. The decline was largely due to a transfer of 204,504 people from work visas to residence visas under the limited-time 2021 Residence Visa Scheme.

On the other hand, student visa arrivals have shown a sharp increase, with 12,438 arrivals in July. Although they follow the pre-pandemic seasonal pattern, the total numbers are still lower than in previous years. At the end of July, there were 52,248 people in New Zealand on student visas, compared to 86,100 in July 2019. The international education sector still has a long way to go to recover to pre-pandemic levels. We value your comments and encourage respectful and insightful debate. Please register to comment if you haven’t already.

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The Aotearoa New Zealand government has taken a significant stride towards safeguarding vulnerable workers with the passage of the Worker Protection (Migrant and Other Employees) Bill. This legislation aims to curb migrant worker exploitation by introducing new infringement offences to penalize lower-level breaches by non-compliant employers, which often escalate into more severe forms of exploitation.

The bill also introduces measures to disqualify individuals convicted of migrant exploitation and human trafficking from managing or directing companies within the country. This preventative measure is expected to hinder the misuse of corporate structures for the exploitation of migrants.

The law’s proactive approach allows for the addressing of offences before they spiral into more serious exploitation, providing much-needed protection for vulnerable populations. It covers a range of offences, from flouting minimum employment standards, such as wage underpayments, to forced labour.

This bill also implements the remaining changes proposed in the 2020 Temporary Migrant Worker Exploitation Review. The initial changes, introduced in 2021, included the establishment of a dedicated hotline, reporting tools, the Migrant Exploitation Protection Visa, and support services for victims of migrant exploitation. These measures have already yielded positive preliminary results.

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Top politicians from Five Eyes countries are coming together in Wellington this week to discuss pressing issues, with a focus on migration. UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman is among those attending the Five Country Ministerial, describing it as a crucial meeting of allies.

New Zealand Immigration is currently exploring a labour mobility program being trialled in the US and Canada. The discussions will also include topics such as national security, child sex abuse, cyber security, foreign espionage at universities, and democratic resilience.

Due to his role as both the immigration and defence minister, Andrew Little will lead the meeting instead of the originally planned Michael Wood. A Vancouver-based steering group of officials earlier this year worked on possible discussion topics for the event.

The US is close to announcing a pilot scheme in collaboration with Canada, Spain, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador to match potential migrant labourers with opportunities in other countries, including ethical recruitment and support during the visa process.

New Zealand’s Immigration is actively exploring the possibility of joining this initiative and discovering potential opportunities for both employers and migrants.

It’s great to be in Wellington, New Zealand for the Five Country Ministerial, a strong and longstanding security partnership.

Thank you to our host @AndrewLittleMP for welcoming us ahead of this important meeting of the closest of allies.

🇨🇦🇦🇺🇳🇿🇬🇧🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/j2EPh2wm5Z

— Suella Braverman MP (@SuellaBraverman) June 26, 2023

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has requested that the Security Intelligence Service (SIS) speed up national security checks that have been pending for over nine months. This comes amid a surge in residence visa checks, which has increased by almost 200 percent. Half of the fast-track green list residence applications are currently awaiting security checks, which typically take about six months.

The SIS declined to disclose its average processing time but confirmed that it is working on a service level agreement with INZ to formalize timeframes. The SIS also stated that it was not consulted on green list visas, which were launched last year with the aim of being processed within six weeks.

SIS aims to complete 90% of residence applications within six months, and 90% of temporary visas within two weeks. However, delays often occur due to incomplete applications that need to be returned to INZ for additional information.

Despite these challenges, the SIS reassured INZ that it will be able to meet the expected number of Resi21 NSCs within the agreed timeframe, provided certain conditions are met.

These include successful recruitment to replace departing staff, full integration of INZ/SIS systems, and minimising the number of incomplete applications.

New Zealand’s Tourism Minister, Peeni Henare, recently met with China’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Hu Heping, to reaffirm their tourism cooperation arrangement from 2019. This meeting was part of a delegation led by Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, which included Māori representation. The arrangement between the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China emphasises knowledge-sharing and cultural exchange. While regular dialogue was disrupted by COVID-19, the two countries are committed to continuing their strong tourism relationship and sharing priorities for sustainable tourism.

China is an important tourism market for New Zealand, with a shared interest in protecting the natural environment and connecting culture with tourism. The delegation also showcased Māori culture, including performances by Te Matatini winners, Te Whānau ā Apanui. Both countries look forward to further opportunities for cultural, economic, and people-to-people connections.

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In the past year, New Zealand has experienced a significant increase in immigration, with more foreigners seeking to live and work in the country that has effectively managed the Covid-19 pandemic. Statistics New Zealand reports a record net of 98,391 non-New Zealand citizens arriving in the year through April 30, while 26,061 citizens departed, resulting in a net immigration of 72,330 – the highest annual gain since July 2020.

New Zealand’s immigration policy and law establish the criteria for those wishing to visit, work, study, live, or invest in the country. While some visitors do not require a visa, they must request a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before travelling.

To address labour shortages in sectors like hospitality and tourism, New Zealand has updated its immigration instructions and policies, doubling the numbers under the working holiday visa scheme. The country urgently needs workers in various fields, such as healthcare, engineering, and construction to alleviate shortages caused by border closures during the pandemic.

Additionally, the government has announced plans to allow more skilled migrants and their families to enter the country under a new priority system within the Accredited Employer Work Visa. This system will prioritise applicants with Green List skills or those earning above a specific threshold.

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The New Zealand labour market is experiencing a surge in employment thanks to increased immigration. The total number of filled jobs rose by 0.6% last month, marking a growth rate of 3.8% compared to the same period last year, the highest growth rate in over a year. Westpac senior economist Michael Gordon suggests that firms may be playing catch-up but are still on a hiring spree, which will support economic activity.

Relaxing visa rules have also boosted the workforce and reduced labour shortages. However, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) will need to monitor the situation closely, as the current pace of immigration, running at an annual rate equivalent to 100,000, could increase economic activity and lead to a rise in unemployment. The RBNZ had previously forecast a rise in unemployment rates from 3.4% to 4.6% by the end of the year, peaking at 5.4% by 2025. The hospitality and logistics industries saw the most significant annual job growth, primarily in Auckland and Canterbury.

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Get in touch with Immigration Advisors New Zealand Ltd, which provides up-to-date immigration information so you can consider opportunities and prepare yourself for the future. To know all the required procedures, contact us at contact@nzimmigration.infoor call on +64 09 3790219.

New Zealand’s net migration has seen a huge reversal with a gain of over 65,000 people in the March 2023 year, following the relaxation of COVID-19-related restrictions and changes to immigration settings. However, a net migration loss of 23,500 Kiwi citizens was also recorded, which is the highest since the October 2013 year. The major contribution to the net migration gain came from India, Philippines, China, and South Africa. The stats also reveal that out of 133,500 total migrant arrivals of non-New Zealand citizens, 63 percent arrived on work or visit visas, while 14 percent arrived on residence visas. Additionally, the March 2023 visitor arrivals increased to 2.18 million from 1.95 million in the previous year. Nonetheless, this figure is still not equal to the pre-COVID levels recorded in March 2019. The government has been emphasizing the growth in net migration figures ahead of the budget, and changes to the immigration settings have been made to address the persistent worker shortages in certain areas.

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With effect from 24th April 2023, a new minimum hourly wage requirement will go into effect for many roles in the tourism and hospitality industry. of New Zealand. The Adult Entitlement Wage Variation mandates that employers pay workers in certain tourism and hospitality positions at least 95 per cent of the median wage or a minimum of $28.18 per hour.

This update reflects the anticipated recovery of the tourism and hospitality industry following the opening of borders. The new minimum hourly wage is set to ensure that workers in these positions are compensated fairly.

Starting on 24th April 2023, employers in the tourism and hospitality industry must comply with the new minimum hourly wage requirement. In April 2024, the requirement will increase to 100 per cent of the median wage, in alignment with other sectors.

Occupations are listed in brackets with their ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) code.

• Hotel Service Manager (431411)
• Hotel or Motel Manager (141311)
• Accommodation and Hospitality Managers nec (141999)
• Licensed Club Manager (141411)
• Conference and Event Organiser (149311)
• Travel Consultant (451612)
• Travel Agency Manager (142116)
• Tour Guide (451412)
• Caravan Park and Camping Ground Manager (141211)
• Diving Instructor (Open Water) (452311)
• Hunting Guide (452213)
• Gallery or Museum Technician (399311)
• Trekking Guide (452216)
• Waiter (431511)
• Commercial Housekeeper (811411)
• Kitchenhand (851311)
• Barista (431112)
• Hotel or Motel Receptionist (542113)
• Bar Attendant (431111)
• Fast Food Cook (851111)
• Food Trades Assistants nec (851299)
• Hospitality Workers nec (431999)
• Cafe Worker (431211)
• Pastrycook’s Assistant (851211)
• Doorperson or Luggage Porter (431912)
• Gaming Worker (431311)
• Travel Attendants nec (451799)

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The New Zealand government’s recovery visa, brought in to help with the cleanup from Cyclone Gabrielle and Auckland floods, has been a success. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) general manager Richard Owen reported that 400 applicants have sought the six-month visa since its announcement three weeks ago.

So far, 166 visas have been granted with only two declines. The average time for processing applications was three days and twenty-nine people whose applications had been approved had arrived in New Zealand. An additional sixty-six applications for a similar work-specific visa were processed and approved before February 24th.

The top occupations so far of those who applied to include building labourers (92), commercial cleaners (41) and domestic cleaners (37). With every extra worker helping respond to recent extreme weather events, this initiative continues to be successful in achieving its goals.

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The New Zealand immigration department has implemented a new Biometric Capability Update (BCU) designed to identify fraudulent applications better and reduce manual interventions.

The BCU will use biometric data such as fingerprints, face photos, and DNA samples to ensure the people presenting at the border or applying for entry are who they claim to be.

The move follows an assessment of the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) Identity Management System (IMS) conducted by the privacy commissioner of New Zealand and has drawn scrutiny from privacy advocates due to potential risks associated with biometrics, including function-creep, lack of transparency, and surveillance and profiling. Special attention is being paid to ensure there is no bias against New Zealand’s indigenous Maori population when collecting biometric data.

This update is part of New Zealand’s commitment to the Five Country Conference (FCC), an international agreement on exchanging biometric data for immigration purposes involving Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. This overhaul is expected to streamline the immigration process and create a smoother, safer experience for all.

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The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) has released a list of funded programmes for non-domestic learners in 2023. The exemptions scheme is designed to support the Government’s objective of achieving a higher skilled migrant workforce, with the right skill mix to support New Zealand’s economic recovery from COVID-19 and transition to a more productive and sustainable economy. Working holiday visas are excluded from this exemption scheme.

The list aligns with the Green List and Sector Agreements developed by Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), which helps employers hire migrants for specified high-skilled occupations such as construction, engineering, trades health or ICT sectors. TEC used information on skills matching from Workforce Development Councils (WDC) along with available funding & alignment with strategic priorities outlined in tertiary education strategy to determine final list incorporating all active industry training fund programmes as at 26 August 2022.

Non domestic learners eligible under revised settings will be treated as domestic students & eligible for Fees Free/Apprenticeship Boost.

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New Zealand’s immigration minister Chris Hipkins recently stated that he won’t rule out changes to immigration settings to help ease the country’s labour shortage. This could potentially involve loosening restrictions to make it easier for people from overseas to come and work in New Zealand, thus helping fill the gaps in the job market and providing opportunities for economic growth.

The move is in line with the government’s goals of boosting productivity, creating jobs and ensuring that all New Zealanders can benefit from a stronger economy. It will also help employers access the necessary skill sets needed to drive innovation and success in their business operations.

At this stage, no specific details have been announced regarding the nature or scope of the changes. However, there could be significant implications for both businesses and workers if they are implemented. It remains to be seen how successful they will be in easing New Zealand’s labour shortage problems.

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