New Zealand to Implement Revised Visa Regulations for Foreign Workers from October 31

Important changes to New Zealand’s foreign worker visa regulations will take effect on October 31. To better safeguard migrant workers in the nation, they include revisions to the definition of exploitation and the elimination of the second Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa (MEPV).

To better protect international workers, the New Zealand government has proposed major revisions to the Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa (MEPV). The option to apply for a second MEPV will no longer be available as of October 31, 2024.

This implies that after this date, no migrant with an original MEPV may apply for a second one. Such an application will be automatically rejected if it is submitted on or after October 31, 2024.

Key Changes to the Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa (MEPV)

1. Removal of Second MEPV Option

Migrants who now possess an initial Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa (MEPV) will no longer be able to apply for a second visa as of October 31, 2024. Due to this modification, requests for a second MEPV will be automatically denied to applicants who attempt to obtain one after the deadline.

2. Limited Protection Duration

For migrants who report credible exploitation, the MEPV will provide protection for up to six months. It guarantees their legal status by enabling them to leave exploitative professions and remain in New Zealand while looking for new work.

3. Revised Exploitation Definition

The government has improved the concept of exploitation, eliminating legal layoffs, redundancies, and non-payment as a result of liquidation unless they are connected to unlawful or exploitative activity. This guarantees that the emphasis stays on really protecting exploited workers.

Final Opportunity to Submit a Second MEPV Application

Migrants whose first MEPV expires on or before November 30, 2024, will be able to apply for a second MEPV until October 30, 2024. They can renew their visa for an extra six months during this two-week transitional period. The opportunity to apply for a second MEPV will be eliminated following this grace period.

If migrants with an initial MEPV were unable to obtain employment, they might apply for a second MEPV starting on October 24, 2023. With no additional fees, this extension permitted them to stay for a maximum of 12 months or until the end of their first employer-specific work visa.

Discontinued Financial Assistance for MEPV Holders

New Zealand stopped offering short-term financial assistance to migrants on a Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa (MEPV) earlier this year. MEPV holders will no longer be eligible for financial aid going forward, although they can continue to work and keep their visa status.

Reforms to Accredited Employer Work Visas

New Zealand has implemented modifications to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) in addition to the MEPV. These include minimal skill or experience criteria and more stringent English language requirements.

By making sure that only competent and prepared migrants join the New Zealand labor market, the goal is to lessen the possibility of exploitation. By taking these steps, the government demonstrates its dedication to safeguarding migrant workers and maintaining the integrity of the immigration system.

National Occupation List to Replace ANZSCO

New Zealand intends to replace the present Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) with a new National Occupation List (NOL), in addition to the reforms for overseas workers. The goal of this change is to better meet the changing demands of the nation’s labor market.

All occupations now classified under ANZSCO will be reviewed to ensure they correspond with the new categorization system as part of the transition to the NOL. The goal of the new approach is to better match job classifications to the unique labor demands of the nation. It is anticipated that this action will expedite the visa application process and facilitate the immigration system for both companies and employees.

Conclusion

New Zealand’s impending amendments aim to increase foreign worker safeguards by deleting the second MEPV option and amending visa restrictions. Migrants must keep informed to grasp their rights and available visa choices as the government fights migrant exploitation more effectively.