Changes to certain workforce and immigration pathways
On 23 September 2023, INZ announced various updates to certain immigration policies including a further expansion to the occupations on both the Green List and the Construction and Infrastructure Sector list, an increase to the median wage, a drastic increase in the Recognised Seasonal Employer quota, and the closing of the Recovery Visa.
Each has been explained further below.
New roles added to occupation lists
Following a review by MBIE, 17 additional roles are to be added to the Green List from March 2024 providing a clear pathway to residency for migrants working in those occupations. By the beginning of next year, the Construction and Infrastructure Sector Agreement will also include seven additional roles.
The roles being added to the Green List are:
- Aviation Engineer (Avionics, Aeronautical, Aerospace Engineer)
- Naval Architects (aka Marine Designer)
- Mechanical Engineering Technician
- ICT Database and System Administrator
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
- Road Roller Operator
- Paving Plant Operator
- Corrections Officer
- Metal Fabricator
- Pressure Welder
- Welder
- Fitter (General)
- Fitter and Turner
- Fitter-Welder
- Metal Machinist (First Class)
- Panel Beater
- Vehicle Painter.
Additionally, the roles being added to the Construction and Infrastructure Sector Agreement are:
- Driller’s Assistant (821912)
- Earthmoving Labourer (821113)
- Earthmoving Plant Operator (General) (721211)
- Linemarker (721912)
- Machine Operators n.e.c (711999)
- Mechanic’s Assistant (899916)
- Road Traffic Controller (899923).
The particular requirements for each role, the available residency pathways, as well as further information, will be explained closer to March 2024.
Work to residence pathway to open
The Green List and Sector Agreement Work to Residence pathways will start accepting applications starting on 29 September 2023, for positions that are currently on those lists and where individuals have completed the requisite 24 months of experience between 29 September 2021 and 29 September 2023.
In addition to the work experience requirement, usual requirements for age, health, character, and English language proficiency apply.
New median wage starting February 2024
In February 2024, median wage thresholds will be adjusted to reflect the new hourly median pay of NZD $31.61.
The Accredited Employer Worker Visa (AEWV), Skilled Migrant Category and Work to Residence/Straight to Residence policies will be adjusted accordingly at that time. The wage exemption rates for the tourism and hospitality sectors, as well as the parent category wage threshold will be revised individually in April 2024.
More information will be provided in the new year.
Increasing the limit for Recognised Seasonal Employer
For the 2023–2024 season, the maximum number of employees who may be hired under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) system will rise by 500 to 19,500. With the help of the new RSE limit, the horticulture and wine industries will have access to workers from participating Pacific nations when there aren't any local workers.
In order to balance the effects on the New Zealand labour market, including anticipated labour market circumstances in the upcoming year and the availability of acceptable housing, this year's rise represents the industry's need for access to more workers.
Cyclone Gabrielle Response Recovery Visa now closed
New applications for the Recovery Visa were no longer be possible from 23 September 2023. Immigration New Zealand will get in touch with current visa holders whose visa are close to expiring, to let them know about alternative options.
Current visa holders who are in New Zealand can now apply for a three-month extension of the Recovery Visa to help them transition, if necessary, to a longer-term work visa, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Extensions can be submitted using the Specific Purpose Work Visa online form.
Contact one of our team today if you’d like to know more or discuss how these changes may affect you or your plan to obtain residence in New Zealand.