The New Zealand Government has announced numerous changes to the immigration system to increase protection and support for migrant workers.
Additional six-month Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa
Migrants who are on a Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa (MEPV) can now apply for a second MEPV. This will give them an additional six months or up to the expiry date of their original work visa (whichever is lesser). This will allow exploited migrants more time to search for a job and ensure they can meet the qualifications for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). They do not need to submit a second exploitation report to Employment New Zealand but they still need to ensure they meet the initial assessment of a genuine exploitation complaint. Immigration New Zealand will provide more details on this second MEPV in the coming weeks.
Additional Support for MEPV holders
Short-term financial, welfare and job search support will be provided to eligible MEPV holders. This includes accommodation and living cost payments of approximately $50 per day, depending on individual circumstances. The support will end in March 2024, or when a visa holder moves to a AEWV, changes visas or leaves New Zealand.
End of 90-day trials for AEWV employees
Employers will need to commit to not using 90-day trial periods when hiring AEWV holders. This will apply to Job Checks that are assessed from late October 2023, regardless of when they are submitted. Any use of 90-day trials after making this commitment may result in accreditation being revoked.
This will not apply to already approved Job Checks or to migrants who already hold or who have applied for an AEWV.
For any questions regarding this update or any further immigration matters, please contact Arno Nothnagel, our NZ Immigration Director, here.
