Immigration Alert - February 2019

Significant changes ahead for employer-assisted work visas: What you need to know

On 18 December 2018, the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) proposed significant changes to the employer-assisted temporary work visa framework including an emphasis on regional workforce planning. The proposed framework will require over 16,000 New Zealand employers who wish to employ visa holders to become accredited. The proposed framework shifts the policy from being migrant-led to employer-led, and will require employers to demonstrate that they:

• comply with New Zealand immigration and employment law
• treat visa holders fairly and within the law, and
• invest in the training and hiring of New Zealand citizens. 

The consultation period is now open. Submissions are due by 18 March 2019. It is expected that the new framework will become policy by mid-2019.

Find out more about the proposed changes by downloading our full alert.

Let’s talk

To discuss any of the above, please contact the PwC Immigration Team.