New Zealand Migrant Worker Regulations Update 2023

Publish Date: 15/12/2023

Immigration New Zealand hiring migrant workers who must be accredited by Immigration New Zealand. Accredited employers need Job Check approval before workers can apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).

Statistics (16 Months In):

• 31,000 accreditation applications
• 49,000 Job Check applications (230,000 jobs)
• 94,000 AEWVs approved

Recent Issues:

• Migrant exploitation cases emerged.
• Workers paid up to $50,000 with job/visa issues on arrival.
• Issues in third-party/labour hire and construction.
• Stricter policies for financial viability and local workforce percentage.

Rule Changes:

• Processing time increased to 3+ months.
• No 90-day trial periods for migrant workers.
• AEWVs now 5 years.
• Minimum pay: $29.66 per hour.
• Lower rates with sector agreements.
• Possible increase to $31.61 per hour (pending).
• 1,600 audits completed, 1,200 ongoing.
• 1,500 complaints; 103 revoked, 23 suspended.
• Green List Review: Continuous review; 17 roles added (e.g., Corrections Officer, welder) in March 2023.