Home Blog The Shake up - Work Visa Rules
Specify Alternate Text

The Shake up - Work Visa Rules

"The government has made sweeping changes to work visa rules. These impact employers and migrant workers (those either holding a current work visa or applying for a new work visa)", shares Lukas Sousa from Malcolm Pacific Immigration*.  A summary of the changes provided by Lukas include:

 From 7 October 2019

  • Base salary to qualify for a Work to Residence Visa (WTR) supported by an accredited employer increases from $55,000 per annum to $79,560 per annum (or $38.25 per hour).
  • Pay rates for WTR visas now reviewed annually.
  • Work visa applicants paid less than $79,560 per annum by accredited employers need to apply under other work visa categories.
  • Employers can only be accredited for 24 months when applying for the first time or renewing.
  • Silver Fern work visa category closed.

From mid – 2020

  •  Jobs classified into lower or higher-paid based on New Zealand median wage. Skills assessment removed.
  • Lower paid jobs issued maximum 12-month work visa and allowed to bring family to New Zealand. Maximum time spent working in New Zealand restricted to 3 years (must depart for 12 months before applying to return to New Zealand).  
  • Higher paid jobs issued work visa valid for up to 3 years.
  • Government to negotiate and introduce Industry Sector agreements setting minimum conditions for industries that rely heavily on overseas workers. Sectors include; residential care, meat processing, dairy, forestry, road freight transport, tourism and hospitality. Construction, horticulture and viticulture may also be included.

For changes from 2021, keep an eye out for more information shared by Lukas and included in RWR Health's soon to be released 19/20 Hiring Trends & Employment insights report! If you'd like to receive a copy, register your details here! 

*Malcolm Pacific is NZ’s Largest and Most Respected Authority on Immigration Advice. Malcolm Pacific Immigration provides expert and professional immigration advocacy services for companies and individuals planning to relocate to New Zealand.  Learn more about Malcolm Pacific and their services here. 

Related Articles

Understanding Mental Health Stigma and Supporting Healthcare Workers A Guide for Leadership 4.png

Understanding Mental Health Stigma and Supporting Healthcare Workers: A Guide for Leadership

This blog aims to help those in leadership roles understand the stigma around mental health and the problems that employees may encounter. It also includes information on how leaders can support struggling staff members and respond to the loss of a team member to suicide. With practical advice and actionable tips, we aim to help leaders create a safe and supportive work environment for their employees.

LoveYourMondays.jpg

Why Work for RWR Health?

Working in a great company sets you up for success and happiness in so many ways. At RWR Group, on top of the opportunity for a fulfilling career connecting talented professionals to their dream jobs, we also offer a wide range of benefits, do any of these tickle your fancy?

Specify Alternate Text

Working from home? How to keep your team motivated

Retaining a high level of engagement and the environment where colleagues can still chat, laugh and blow off some steam is more important than ever.

Specify Alternate Text

Is your business prepared?

Changes are coming to temporary work visas in New Zealand.

Specify Alternate Text

Hiring Migrants

When it comes to hiring migrants, it’s important to know what's expected as an employer and what to expect during the process. Failing to comply with...

Specify Alternate Text

Burn Out

Underfunding and lack of resources have been blamed, however, as health professionals and employers there is plenty we can do to minimise the effects of burnout in our teams and, limit the impact on our organisation's employment brand.