New ‘Gateways’ For Employers and Migrants

Immigration New Zealand is seeking feedback on its proposal to change work visa settings; to make them more employer-led, and hopefully, more responsive to the labour market. The Minister of Immigration described these proposed changes as ‘gateways’, through which first the employer, then the job offered and finally, the migrant themselves, must pass before a work visa can be granted.

It is envisaged that this new framework will be simpler than the current system with its various pathways. In addition, the skill shortage lists will be regionalised to better suit the needs of employers outside of main centres. The Government will also introduce sector agreements to meet the demands of different industries for additional workers.

The proposed new framework will require employers who wish to employ non-New Zealanders to complete more administrative paperwork upfront. Immigration New Zealand considers that this will allow them to be more responsive to the changing needs of the labour market. It also promises that the overall process will be much faster once employers have been accredited.

Under the proposal, there are three different gate checks:

1.     The Employer Check.

The Employer Check will provide for three different types of accreditation; standard, premium or accreditation for labour-hire companies.

2.     The Job Check

The Job Check will provide four pathways for accredited employers, either; offering a salary at a high threshold, inclusion on a regional shortage list (for high-skilled jobs), as part of a sector agreement with certain industries, or via a regional labour market test as many employers will already be familiar with.

3.     The Migrant Check

The Migration Check will include checks as to identity, health, character and capability to do the job offered.

The type of documentation required from employers to obtain accreditation is likely to be considerable.  If these proposed work visa changes are going to impact you and your business, speak to us about how to make a submission to Immigration New Zealand now before its consultation period closes on 18 March 2019.

You can get in contact with Wakefields Lawyers by emailing, info@wakefieldslaw.com or give us a call at 04 970 3600. We look forward to hearing from you!