From December 2, the government of New Zealand will extend open work rights to more partners of migrant workers.
The new changes will allow them to work for any employer amid the country’s efforts to attract and retain workers to deal with labor shortages noted in several industries, VisaGuide.World reports.
Through a statement, Immigration New Zealand has revealed that open work rights will be available to the following partners from December 2, 2024:
- Partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) working in New Zealand and Australia Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) level one to three roles and earning $25.29(USD $14.92) per hour.
- Partners of those holding AWEV and earning $25.29 (USD $14.92) per hour if they are already supporting a partner for a work visa on June 24, 2024.
- Partners of those holding an Essential Skills work visa earning$25.29 (USD $14.92) per hour.
Open Work Rights Available to Partners of AEWV Holders Working in an ANZSCO Level 4-5 Role, Too
In addition, authorities in New Zealand have also announced that open work rights will also be extended to partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa holders working in ANZSCO level four to five roles:
- Receiving $47.41 (USD $27.97) or more per hour (150 percent of the standard median wage) or
- Receiving $31.61 (USD $18.65) or more per hour in a role on the Green List and meeting the requirements of this list for that role
- Receiving $25.29 (USD $14.92) per hour (80 percent of the standard median wage) and meeting the requirements for a role in the Transport of Care Sector Agreements (or the wage detailed in the sector agreement, whichever is higher)
The ANZSCO skill levels range from one to five, based on skill level, with one being the most skilled and five being the least skilled.
Current holders of partner work visas with specific employment conditions will be able to apply to vary their visa conditions to switch to open work rights if their partner meets any of the above situations. If you meet the above criteria, you will be able to apply for a variation of conditions or a new work visa from December 2 2024.
New Zealand Overturning a Near Ban on Partners of Migrant Workers
Regarding the new changes, Act’s immigration spokeswoman Parmjeet Parmar told the New Zealand Herald employers risked losing valuable staff as part of the current regime.
Immigration Minister of New Zealand Erica Stanford said the country is overturning a near ban on partners of migrant workers, restoring work rights to partners of high-skilled migrants.
- New Zealand Tightens Regulations to Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa