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🇳🇿 Important Updates to the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) 2024

Key Developments: New Zealand Revamps Its AEWV Immigration Policy

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Essential Updates on the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

New Zealand has unveiled crucial alterations to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) system, encompassing several aspects of the employment and visa process.

These changes will notably affect both potential migrants and New Zealand employers, as they are designed to enhance the efficiency of the visa application procedure and to foster fair treatment for all migrants.

Detailed Insights into the Visa Changes

Elimination of the 90-Day Trial Clause

Effective from October 29th, 2023, New Zealand will abolish the trial period clause for employment contracts under the AEWV. The objective is to bolster the integrity of the recruitment process, ensuring that hires are made based on genuine labor needs.

Employers will need to ensure that trial periods are not included in job check submissions, with non-compliance potentially leading to accreditation revocation, discoverable during various compliance checks.




Adjustments in Job Check Application Standards

Post-October 29, 2023, any AEWV Job Check applications found to include trial period clauses will be dismissed, irrespective of when they were submitted. Migrants who applied prior to this date will not be subject to this new rule.

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Refinements in Employer Accreditation Procedures

The Immigration Instructions have been refined to delineate the circumstances under which an employer’s AEWV accreditation might be revoked or suspended, effective from October 29, 2023.

This includes active reviews by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) of employers’ adherence to pertinent regulations.

Raising the Bar for Labor Hire Employment

Beginning November 27, 2023, labor hire companies in certain sectors must ensure that at least 35% of their workforce are New Zealand citizens or residents in full-time positions, a significant increase from the previous 15% threshold.

This will be assessed during both the accreditation process and job checks.

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Extended Processing Timescales

INZ has revised its processing approach for AEWVs to more thoroughly vet job vacancies and employers’ support capabilities for immigrants.

Consequently, processing times have been extended, and employers are advised to plan for a minimum six-week wait for job checks and accreditation.

For more detailed information on these updates, visit the official Immigration New Zealand website. Employers in need of expedited processing may inquire about the INZ visa escalation process for urgent cases.

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