New Zealand has introduced a new subcategory of the Specific Purpose Work Visa to help employers hire workers during seasonal peaks.
This temporary visa will be granted for up to nine months for seasonal work that is directly affected by the weather conditions, such as harvesting, ski instruction, or tree planting, VisaGuide.World reports.
Meanwhile, horticulture, viticulture and fishing staff under other visas are excluded from the new policy.
This is an interim, time-limited, streamlined pathway and is more in line with the length of seasonal work.
Which Roles Are Eligible for This Temporary Visa?
Foreigners who wish to apply for such a visa must submit their applications on or before May 31, 2025.
Moreover, eligible applicants must have at least four months of work experience similar to the job they are applying for in New Zealand.
As revealed by New Zealand authorities, some of the roles covered by the new temporary visa include:
- Rural contractors who are needed for harvest seasons as the time of harvests is dependent on weather conditions;
- Ski coaches and snow groomers who are needed once there is enough snow to open the ski season;
- Winemakers who are needed after the grapes are ready to harvest;
- Tree planting workers, since there is a limited time frame for successful planting depending on the weather;
- Jetboat or bungee operators who only work during the warmer months.
As per employers, they must be accredited in order to hire migrant workers under this subcategory visa. Moreover, employers are required to pay workers at least NZD 29.66 per hour and for at least 30 hours per week.
Authorities further note that employers in New Zealand must advertise the role for at least two weeks before offering the position to a foreign worker.
Government Is Considering a Longer-Term Visa Option for Seasonal Workers
In addition to the above-mentioned visa, the New Zealand government is mulling the possibility of a longer-term visa for migrant seasonal workers.
We are considering the need for a longer-term visa option for seasonal workers as part of the ongoing review of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and will undertake targeted consultation shortly as part of this work.
New Zealand to Accept More Seasonal Workers for 2024/25 Season
New Zealand’s need for foreign seasonal workers is also reflected in the latest policy introduced by the country’s government.
The cap of the Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme (RSE) has been increased by 1,250, allowing more foreigners to come to the country for seasonal work.
In addition to the cap increase, authorities have announced other changes concerning migrant workers and employers.