Big changes are coming out of Immigration New Zealand and we’re here to unpack them for you. On April 7th, Immigration NZ rolled out significant updates that caught many businesses off guard. We have consulted with our immigration advisor to better understand these changes and assess their implications for businesses across NZ.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
Major updates to work visa rules that impact employers and migrant workers in low skilled jobs. The revisions include the duration migrant workers can operate in New Zealand, a minimum English language standard, prerequisites regarding work experience and qualifications, and an elevated benchmark for employers to demonstrate efforts in prioritising New Zealand candidates to fill job vacancies.
Many of the changes listed above are likely to affect low-skilled positions classified under ANZSCO levels 4 and 5, such as secretaries, cleaners, or labourers. Grada’s clients and candidates primarily occupy positions at ANZSCO levels 1, 2, and 3, which encompass trade, technical, and management roles like architects, engineers, and project managers.
This means that the businesses and people we work with are mostly unaffected by the AEWV updates this time around. However, staying informed about these changes remains crucial, as they may indirectly influence the broader labour market and immigration landscape in New Zealand. By maintaining a good understanding of the evolving visa regulations and skill requirements, you’ll stay ahead of the curve and remain prepared for any future shifts.
For a detailed revision of the changes to the NZ work visa, we recommend checking out the recent blog from Immigration Advisors, Malcolm Pacific here.
Renewing your AEWV
We’ve noticed an increasing number of businesses discussing whether to renew their AEWV accreditation recently. And following a prolonged period without the need for renewal, coupled with updates from Immigration NZ that introduce additional requirements, it can feel like a bigger challenge than expected.
It’s important for businesses to carefully evaluate the benefits and implications of renewing their AEWV accreditation. A business that is not accredited cannot hire more migrants or support skilled migrant residence applications. Hiring immigrants can bring diverse perspectives, specialised skills, and increased productivity to businesses. Be sure tTaking the time to thoroughly assess your businesses situation and seek guidance where needed will help you to navigate through the complexities of the renewal process.
For a thorough evaluation of the employer accreditation renewal landscape, we recommend checking out the recent blog from Immigration Advisors, Malcolm Pacific here.
Looking Ahead:
Given that the government can roll out major updates to immigration and the employment market with little notice, we aim to remain vigilant to all new developments. And as we navigate the ever-changing immigration landscape, our team at Grada Recruitment remains committed to assisting both employers and jobseekers in their employment needs.
If you need any help with your Immigration needs, we recommend reaching out to an Immigration Advisor.
– Grada
