As of September 8, 2024, roles in meat and seafood processing, tourism, hospitality, and care sectors can temporarily bypass the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) minimum skill requirements. This measure is designed to mitigate immediate labor shortages while broader AEWV reforms are under review. The exemptions apply to specific roles and visa conditions, such as existing visa holders applying for the same role or under specific sector agreements however, employers must still adhere to Job Check requirements.
Migrant School Leaver Work Rights
Starting October 1, 2024, new work rights rules will allow eligible migrant school leavers (aged 17-24) awaiting family residence visa decisions to work part-time — up to 20 hours per week during school terms and 40 hours during breaks. This change aligns their work rights with local students, providing more flexibility during the transition from education to employment.
New Temporary Visa for Seasonal Workers
A new Specific Purpose Work Visa category has been introduced for seasonal roles, such as harvesting and ski instructing, valid for up to 9 months for work starting before May 31, 2025. Employers must be accredited, provide proof of advertising and offer a minimum wage of NZD$29.66 per hour, with applications to be submitted by March 31, 2025 at the latest.
These changes, particularly to the work visa schemes, may help alleviate issues being faced since the major AEWV amendments in April this year, including bypassing lengthy processing timeframes.
These updates were prepared by our immigration expert Hetish Lochan. If you have any questions about these changes and what this may mean for you, please contact us on [email protected] or 03 441 2743, or contact Hetish on +64 (0)21 075 8147.
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