New Zealand has announced some updates to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) to address shortages in specific industries.
Starting on September 8, the government will temporarily abolish the AEWV minimum skill requirement for some roles in sectors such as meat and seafood processing, tourism and hospitality, and care services, VisaGuide.World reports.
The Government is making short-term changes to avoid shortages in select sectors while long-term Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) changes are being decided.
Which Occupations Will Be Exempt From This Requirement?
As further explained by INZ, the new policy will apply to new visa applicants who have been offered a job under the 2024/25 cap in the meat or seafood processing industry agreement.
The new changes also include current visa holders working in the tourism and hospitality industry that is exempt from paying the February 2023 median salary if:
- their visa will expire on or before March 31, 2025;
- they are applying for an additional one-year duration AEWV;
- their application is for the same role.
Meanwhile, those working in the care sector agreement will be exempt from the AEWV minimum skill requirement if:
- their visa was issued between July 4, 2022, and November 23, 2023;
- they earned at least NZD 26.16 hourly;
- they are applying for an additional one-year duration AEWV;
- their application is for the same role.
Although eligible candidates will be exempted from the minimum skill requirement, they must still fulfil any criteria defined in the Job Check application.
These changes are part of a wider review of the AEWV to ensure it is fit for purpose. Targeted consultation on potential longer-term options to further improve the AEWV will continue throughout the year.
New Zealand Introduces a New Temporary Visa to Tackle Demand for Seasonal Workers
In addition to the sectors mentioned above, New Zealand is facing a shortage of seasonal workers in different sectors, especially during the seasonal peaks.
To address the issue, the government recently introduced a new subcategory of the Specific Purpose Work Visa.
This temporary visa will be issued for seasonal work that is directly impacted by the weather conditions, such as harvesting, ski instruction, or tree planting.
This visa will be granted for up to nine months, and applicants must submit their applications by May 31, 2025.
Moreover, New Zealand has decided to raise the Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme (RSE) cap by 1,250, allowing more foreign workers to come to the country for season work.
Along with the cap increase, authorities have introduced other rules concerning employers and foreign seasonal workers.