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Migrant workers in New Zealand will be able to stay and work here longer due to visa changes.
Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi announced on Sunday a six-month extension for holders of employer-assisted work visas, along with their partners and children.
“Our economy is recovering better than expected and we are seeing labor shortages in many industries,” Faafoi said.
Scott Hammond / Stuff
Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi announced the changes for visa holders on Sunday. (File photo)
“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. -19 “.
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Along with the extension for employer-assisted work visa holders, the vacation and work visas would also be extended for six months.
There would also be a postponed suspension period for underpaid essential skills visa holders, and the 2019 median wage of $ 25.50 per hour for immigration settings would hold through at least July 2021.
Faafoi said this would provide certainty for both employers and workers.
“We will continue to watch closely how the job market develops and if further extensions are needed.”
Currently, there are about 192,000 migrant workers in New Zealand, which is a similar number to last year, Faafoi said, but unchanged the number would drop as visas expire.
“With border restrictions in place to keep Covid-19 out, we cannot bring the number of migrant workers to New Zealand that many industries have come to depend on, especially in their peak seasons.
“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.
“While these changes will allow employers to retain their existing migrant workforce, they will still need to demonstrate that there are no New Zealanders available before hiring new employees.”
