Changes to the Temporary Work Visa - New Zealand

By Mid 2021 there will be a new work visa process for Immigration to New Zealand

The Employer Check - Before an employer can hire a migrant worker, they will need to become accredited. Immigration New Zealand will assess if the employer meets the migrant hire accreditation requirements.

The Job Check - Once accredited, employers must then request a job check for any job vacancy which they want to hire a migrant worker for. Immigration New Zealand will make an assessment of this vacancy.

The Worker Check - After the job has been approved the employer can offer the job to a migrant. The migrant applies for a temporary work visa and Immigration New Zealand will make an assessment of the applicant to make sure they meet the requirements to be granted a visa. This includes health, character, qualifications and experience.

Other things to know are:

- This system will replace 6 current employer assisted work visa streams

- The whole process will change from employee led applications to employer led applications.

- There will be an introduction of Sector Agreements that will support facilitated access to a migrant workforce is exchange for progress towards longer term labour market improvements that place more New Zealander's into jobs and reduces sector reliance on temporary migrants.

- Jobs paying more than 200% above the median wage will not require a labour market test.

- The labour market test will be strengthened for low paying jobs to ensure that migrant workers do not displace New Zealand job seekers.

This is a significant shift from the current work visa system and is pointing towards the onus being on the employer to make sure they are compliant with all labour laws. It is not yet known what the final fee structure will be, but INZ has indicated that each stage listed above will involve a fee in the hundreds. This will add more cost to businesses and now is the time to prepare for up and coming changes.

If you rely on a migrant work force then you need to be aware of these changes and have systems in place to ensure you are meeting all off your current obligations as an employer.

If you are unable to pass the first stage of the Employer Check, then you will be unable to hire migrants into your business.