Migrant worker visas expanded to address job uncertainties

By RNZ

The government is extending visas for many migrant workers to ease the labor shortage.

As part of a package announced tonight, work, vacation and employer-assisted work visas will be brought forward six months.

A 12-month suspension period will also be suspended for low-wage Essential Skills visa holders working in New Zealand for three years until January 2022.

Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi said the changes would help companies retain the migrant workforce.

“As the labor market outlook is more optimistic, we are implementing a number of changes to ensure that the migrant workforce already in New Zealand can complement the efforts of employers to recruit New Zealanders who have lost their jobs due to COVID. Faafoi said.

“The changes to visa settings will run through 2021, which will provide certainty for employers and workers.

“We will continue to watch closely how the job market develops and if further extensions are needed.”

He said there were about 192,000 migrant workers in New Zealand, but without the changes, the number would decrease as visas expired and border restrictions meant that a limited number of new workers could enter the country.

But he said employers would still have to prove there were no New Zealanders available before hiring new migrant workers.

“Our priority remains helping New Zealanders gain employment and we encourage employers to continue to focus on long-term workforce planning, training and improving wages and conditions to attract a local workforce.” .

Immigration New Zealand said it will maintain the 2019 median wage of $ 25.50 per hour for its immigration settings until at least July 2021, when the median wage will increase to $ 27 per hour. He said that he will contact all eligible visa holders.

The changes are:

• Employer-assisted work visa holders (and their partners and dependent children) who have a job and whose visas expire from January to July 2021 will have their visas automatically extended for another six months.

• The suspension period, during which low-paid Essential Skills visa holders have to leave New Zealand, will be postponed until January 2022. The suspension period means that Essential Skills visa holders earn less than the Median salary (currently $ 25.50) must leave New Zealand for 12 months after working here for three years before they can return.

• Immigration New Zealand will continue to use the 2019 median wage of $ 25.50 per hour for immigration settings until at least July 2021, at which point the median wage will increase to $ 27 per hour.

• Working Holiday visas will be extended for six months and restrictions on the maximum length of work allowed will be relaxed, allowing Working Holiday visa holders to continue working in whatever industry they choose (including horticultural and horticultural functions). the wine).

• Vacation workers will no longer be transferred to a seasonal employer supplemental work visa when their work and vacation visa expires. Migrants who already have an SSE visa will be able to continue working for the horticulture and wine sectors, or apply for an Essential Skills visa if they find a qualifying alternative job.

– RNZ