New Zealand Extends Open Work Rights to Partners of Migrant Workers – Effective December 2024

To support immigrant families and draw in foreign talent, New Zealand is taking decisive action. Open work rights will be provided to migrant workers’ partners on December 2, 2024, enabling them to work for any business. In addition to addressing labor shortages, this adjustment enhances prospects for skilled worker families.

The Expansion of Open Work Rights to Additional Migrant Workers’ Partners

More partners of migrant workers will have access to New Zealand’s open work rights, which will allow them to work for any employer, starting on December 2, 2024. In addition to addressing the labor shortages that have impacted numerous industries, this strategy seeks to assist the families of talented migrants.

The goal of this program is to persuade more workers to choose employment in New Zealand as a long-term career and lifestyle choice.

Eligibility Criteria for Partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa Holders

Under the new policy, holders of Partners of Accredited Employer Work Visas who fulfill specific requirements are granted open work rights:

• Holders of an Accredited Employer Work Visa who are employed in level one to three rolls of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANSCO) and make at least $25.29 per hour
• Holders of an Accredited Employer Work Visa who have been assisting a partner with the same pay criteria for a work visa by June 24, 2024
• Work Visa holders with Essential Skills who make at least $25.29 per hour

This action improves chances for migrant families and increases the benefits of the New Zealand work visa.

Open Work Rights for Partners in ANZSCO Level 4-5 Roles

Furthermore, partners of AWV holders who occupy level four to five positions in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations are covered by the open work rights policy, so long as they meet the following wage requirements:

• Making at least $47.40 an hour, or 150% of the median wage
• Paying $31.60 per hour for positions on the green list, especially in vital industries like care or transportation

These modifications give more workers and their families access to New Zealand work visa choices.

Impact of Overturning the Near Ban on Partners of High-Skilled Migrants

Reversing a near-ban on high-skilled migrants’ partners’ employment rights is a significant component of the proposed reforms. In the past, partners found it challenging to collaborate due to restrictive policies, which caused annoyance and might have discouraged talented migrants from choosing New Zealand.

The government hopes to retain highly trained personnel in the nation by restoring these open work rights, guaranteeing that valuable individuals can remain in New Zealand without encountering challenges pertaining to their families’ employment.

An important change in New Zealand’s immigration laws is the expansion of Open Work privileges to include more partners of migrant workers. It is anticipated that by providing more flexibility and employment options for their families, this effort will draw and keep qualified individuals.

Reversing the near-ban on high-skilled migrants’ partners makes working in New Zealand even more alluring, assisting the nation in addressing labor shortages and preserving its competitive edge in the global labor market.

New Zealand Broadens Employment Opportunities for Skilled Migrants’ Partners

More migrant workers’ partners will be granted open work rights in New Zealand from December 2, 2024, which will enable them to work for any business. By addressing labor shortages and retaining qualified experts, this policy change will give migrant families more options.

A major reform to New Zealand’s immigration laws will take effect on December 2, 2024, allowing more migrant workers’ partners to work freely. This change will enable qualified partners to work for any business in New Zealand, addressing labor shortages and improving workforce retention.

The announcement from Immigration New Zealand (INZ) demonstrates the government’s dedication to luring and keeping talented individuals in important sectors. Partners of certain migrant visa holders are now free to work in New Zealand without any limitations on their working circumstances according to this revised legislation.

Access to Open Work Rights

As of December 2, 2024, INZ states that partners who fulfill one of the following requirements will be eligible for increased open work rights:

• Partners of High-Skilled AEWV Holders: Eligible are partners of holders of Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWV) who work in Australia or New Zealand in occupations classified under Levels 1 through 3 of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) and make at least NZD 25.29 (USD 14.92) per hour.
• Existing AEWV Partner Visa Support (as of June 24, 2024): This includes partners of AEWV holders who were already assisting a partner’s work visa application by that date and were making NZD 25.29 (USD 14.92) per hour.
• Partners of Essential Skills Visa Holders: Open work privileges are granted to individuals who are married to or in a partnership with Essential Skills work visa holders and make at least NZD 25.29 (USD 14.92) per hour.

Partners’ Inclusion in ANZSCO Levels 4-5 Positions

If they fulfill specific wage levels, partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders employed in ANZSCO Levels 4-5 positions are also covered by the policy changes:

• High Wage Roles: Those making at least NZD 47.41 (USD 27.97) per hour, which is equivalent to 150% of the median wage in New Zealand.
• Green List Jobs: As long as they meet the requirements, partners of AEWV holders working in Green List positions earning NZD 31.61 (USD 18.65) or more are eligible.
• A minimum salary of NZD 25.29 (USD 14.92) per hour, or the amount stipulated by sector agreements, whichever is higher, is required for partners of AEWV holders working in tasks related to the transport or care sectors.

The ANZSCO system aligns visa rules with the demands of the nation’s workforce by classifying occupations by skill level, ranging from one (most skilled) to five (least skilled).

Flexibility for Present-Day Holders of Partner Visas

If their partner’s job satisfies the new eligibility requirements, partners with work visas with specific employment constraints will have the choice to convert to open work privileges. Beginning on December 2, 2024, those who qualify under the revised regulations may apply for a new work visa or a variation of conditions.

Work Visa for Migrant Exploitation Protection (MEPV)

Important changes to New Zealand’s foreign worker visa regulations will be implemented on October 31 to combat migrant exploitation. The second Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa (MEPV), which was formerly granted to employees who reported instances of exploitation, has been discontinued.

A Move in the Direction of a More Accepting Immigration Law

The goal of this major shift in immigration laws is to alleviate New Zealand’s labor shortages in a number of industries. The government intends to draw in and keep top talent while promoting economic growth by permitting skilled migrant partners to work freely.