Here are the latest updates from INZ:
Primary sector border exceptions As previously announced in July, the final steps of the Reconnecting New Zealanders Strategy have been brought forward, allowing Immigration New Zealand to phase out the border exceptions system. Expressions of interest (EOIs) for most primary sector class exceptions close at 23:59 (NZST) on 1 September 2022. EOIs in draft cannot be submitted after this date. EOIs for deep-sea fishing crew class exceptions will close at 23:59 (NZST) on 30 October 2022, unless the cap is filled sooner. EOIs in draft cannot be submitted after this date. Seafood processing workers The cap for the seafood processing workers border exception has been increased from 200 to 300 workers. Employers can submit an EOI for the seafood processing workers class exception until the cap is filled or sector agreements come into effect, whichever is soonest. The final entry dates for some deep-sea fishing crew have been updated to 31 May 2023.
Application processing As previously announced, during the transition back to standard visa processing there will be parallel entry pathways for workers:
Invitation to Apply timeframe reduced The timeframe for those invited to apply for most border exceptions has been reduced from four months to two. This will support the transition back to usual visa processing. The timeframe to apply for those who submitted an EOI before 8 July remains four months.
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Details of Sector Agreements for specific AEWV occupations and how these new Visa Settings help employers with workforce shortages
The Government has announced details of the sector agreements for several industries: The care workforce Construction and infrastructure Meat processing Seafood, and Seasonal snow and adventure tourism. These changes will come into effect from October 2022. The sector agreements were signalled in the Government’s Immigration Rebalance announcement. They will allow limited exceptions to the median wage requirements for hiring migrants on an Accredited Employer Work Visa in specific occupations. The settings include pay rates, timeframes and relevant roles. They were developed in consultation with key sector bodies, unions and government agencies. They have been tailored to the specific workforce needs and conditions. See the sector agreements factsheet below for the full details of these settings. Each agreement includes expectations for improvement, including the implementation of Workforce Transition Plans and Industry Transformation Plans for sectors with these. Performance against these will be monitored and feed into reviews and decisions about future access to migrants below the median wage. The Minister of Immigration will write to sector bodies and unions specifying these expectations. Lower thresholds already in place for a number of care and construction roles will continue until the sector agreements come into force from 31 October 2022. Visa settings help employers with workforce shortages These Sector Agreement settings and the previously announced Working Holiday Scheme changes will help employers fill skills gaps. Sector agreements allow limited exceptions to the median wage requirements for hiring skilled migrant workers on an Accredited Employer Work Visa in specific occupations. In addition to the sector agreements, employers can continue to hire migrants with open work visas, such as students, working holiday makers and partners with open work visas. The Government wants to see New Zealand move to a higher-productivity, higher- wage economy, however, there is a clear need for these sectors to be able to recruit migrants below the median wage. These agreements give these sectors time to improve the attraction and retention of domestic workers, put significant effort into retaining, training, and upskilling New Zealanders, and invest in technology and new business models where appropriate. New sector agreement settings, including pay rates, timeframes and roles, were developed following consultation with sector representatives and government agencies. They will be introduced on 31 October 2022. Until 31 October 2022, employers can continue to use existing rules to recruit migrants. Operational details of sector agreements will be released when finalised. The Government has announced changes to help increase access to working holiday makers already in New Zealand, and those looking to travel to New Zealand. The changes are outlined as below:
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AuthorImmigration Trust Team Archives
January 2025
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