The Government announced today changes to the immigration system to increase protection and support for migrant workers, including:
- removal of the 90-day trial for migrant workers on the Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWV).
- short-term basic financial support and job search assistance for people on the Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa (MEPV)
- an option for people on the MEPV to apply for a second MEPV if they need more time to search for a job, and
End of 90-day trials for AEWV employees
From late October this year, the 90-day trial period is to be removed for those employed on Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWV). These changes aim to protect the new arrivals from an early dismissal while they are still settling into New Zealand life. A 90-day trial will still apply for those who already hold an AEWV, or those who have already applied for an AEWV.
Job Checks must not include the 90-day trials
Job Check's must not include an employment agreement with a trial period from late October going forward. This update will not apply if a Job Check has already been approved before late October, but a Job Check that is under assessment will be declined if it includes a trial period (regardless of when they were submitted). Breaches of this standard may result in accreditation being revoked.
Financial assistance for those on an MEPV
Short-term, basic financial support and job search assistance will now be available to those on the Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa (MEPV). The support is available until March 2024, or until MEPV holders find a suitable job and move to an AEWV, leave New Zealand, change visas or their MEPV expires.
MEPV extensions
An option has been introduced for MEPV holders to apply for a second MEPV if they need more time to search for a job. The second visa will be up to six months, or up to the expiry date of their original work visa, whichever is lesser. Applicants need to meet the visa requirements and demonstrate they have made reasonable efforts to find a job that would qualify them for an AEWV.
For more in-depth information, check out the INZ website here at https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/media-centre/news-notifications/government-announces-more-s...
If you are unsure of what these changes might mean for you, feel free to contact our team through the website, or flick us an email at contact@visamaxnz.com for assistance within your visa journey!
