New Zealand’s immigration agency enacted the removal of 90-day trial periods from employment contracts for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders, a policy change that took effect on October 29, 2023.
The changes have been implemented to both promote equitable treatment within employment agreements for Kiwi Work Visa holders and to mitigate actual labor shortages, VisaGuide.World reports.
The 90-day trial rule will be waived for applications with previously approved job checks and for migrants who have already acquired or applied for an AEWV based on a job check approved before October 29, 2023.
The elimination of 90-day trial periods for migrant workers protects them from exploitation and unfair treatment, making it mandatory for employers to hire them solely when a verifiable labor demand or skills gap needs addressing.
One of the changes within the AEWV Category entails that accredited employers who are placing migrants in specific construction roles are required to have a labor-hire workforce consisting of a minimum of 35 percent of New Zealand citizens and full-time resident employees.
As part of the AEWV changes, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) processing times increased.
Consequently, employers are strongly encouraged to submit applications for accreditation and job checks at least six weeks prior to their intended timelines to accommodate these adjustments.
As processing times have been extended, with most applications taking over ten days, employers can use the INZ employment visa escalation process in urgent cases.
The AEWV changes mean that visa holders can no longer have trial periods in their employment agreements.
When individuals receive job offers from New Zealand employers, it is essential for each to carefully review their employment contracts to ensure the absence of a trial period.
In case a trial period is discovered, it is advisable for them to reach out to the IMZ promptly.
Moreover, New Zealand has seen an extension in processing times for AEWV applications, prompting employers to submit accreditation and job check applications before their intended timelines.
The revised policies and criteria will also apply to recent immigration and work visa applicants in the Green List category.
Previously, New Zealand had broadened its Immigration Green List to address significant skills shortages. The new initiative involves expanding its Green List to encompass various construction, information technology, automotive, and engineering professions.
This expansion enables professionals in these sectors to utilize Green List visas when seeking specialized talents unavailable within the local workforce.