New Zealand | Open work rights expanded

The New Zealand government announced changes to provide open work rights to more partners of migrant workers, allowing them to work for any employer.

Key Points:

• Beginning Dec. 2, open work rights will be available to:
  • All partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders who work in an Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) Level 1-3 role and earn at least NZ$25.29 an hour (about US$15).
  • Partners of AEWV holders earning at least NZ$25.29 an hour who have been supporting a partner for a work visa on since June 26.
  • All partners of Essential Skills work visa holders earning at least NZ$25.29 an hour.
  • Partners of AEWV holders working in an ANZSCO Level 4-5 role will also qualify if the holder is earning at least NZ$47.41 an hour (150% of the standard median wage), or at least NZ$31.61 an hour in a role on the Green List, or at least NZ$25.29 an hour (80% of the standard median wage) and meeting the requirements of a role in the Transport or Care Sector Agreements.

Additional Information: Current holders of partner work visas with specific employment conditions will be able to apply to vary their visa conditions to switch to open work rights beginning Dec. 2 if their partner meets any of the above situations.

BAL Analysis: As BAL reported, the government also recently increased the maximum duration of work and visitor visas for partners of New Zealand citizens and residence class visa holders. The government hopes these changes will help families stay together, provide additional flexibility and attract and retain the workers New Zealand needs to fill gaps in sectors facing skill and labor shortages.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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