In a major development, New Zealand has revealed modifications to its visa regulations for international workers, starting March 10, 2025. The updated guidelines seek to simplify the procedure, cut down on red tape, and draw in elite professionals from across the globe.
The regulations for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) have been changed, affecting employers seeking to hire migrants and international workers applying for visas. The modifications involve alterations to salary limits, employment experience, visa length, and average earnings.
A major modification is the elimination of the median salary criterion for employers recruiting through the Seasonal Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) and AEWV policies. Employers will instead need to pay the New Zealand minimum wage, which is currently NZD $23.15 per hour and will rise to NZD $23.50 on April 1st.
Employers must also compensate migrant workers equally to their New Zealand counterparts, promoting fairness and equality in the workplace. The yearly earnings threshold for foreign employees will rise from NZD $43,322.76 to NZD $55,844, which accounts for 80% of the median salary. This adjustment will align with partner employment rights based on a yearly, 40-hour work week. The new income threshold will be revised each year to account for shifts in the median salary.
In an effort to minimize bureaucracy, the requirement of three years of work experience for foreign employees will be lowered to two years. Applicants must continue to supply evidence that they fulfill the 2-year barrier, and employers are required to verify that their migrant worker meets this criterion.
The duration of visas for new ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 AEWVs will be extended to three years, representing the complete time they are permitted to remain in New Zealand on one or multiple AEWVs.
Additional alterations involve adjusting the income thresholds for sponsors in the Parent Category to align with the updated median wage of NZD $33.56 per hour. Employers must also truthfully declare that they posted lower-skilled job openings with the Ministry of Social Development, conducted interviews with qualified candidates, and maintained records of their participation.
The modifications aim to draw in and keep high-quality talent in New Zealand, while also making certain that migrant workers are treated equitably and with respect. The updated regulations will create a more efficient and streamlined procedure for both employers and foreign workers.
If you are a foreign employee or employer, it’s crucial to be aware of the new rules and how they might affect your circumstances. It is advisable to seek guidance from a qualified immigration expert to make sure you fulfill the required criteria.
The alterations to New Zealand’s visa regulations for overseas workers represent a major advancement in luring and keeping exceptional talent. The new regulations will promote economic growth and prosperity in New Zealand by creating a more efficient and streamlined process.
