October 29th, 2024 at 06:47 am
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.
Benefits for Skilled Migration
Parmjeet Parmar, the immigration spokeswoman for the Act, applauded the action, saying it will assist firms in keeping valued employees. The government is reversing a near-ban on migrant workers’ spouses, restoring employment rights to those who support the nation’s economy, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford stressed.
New Zealand is making itself a more desirable location for qualified workers and their families with its loosened immigration policy.
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