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