COVID-19: Additional border exemption for other essential workers

IMPACT – HIGH

As of June 18, there will be an additional border exemption for “other essential workers.”

Key Points:

• Short-term roles (less than six months). Workers must have a unique and technical or specialist skill that is not obtainable in New Zealand, or they must be involved in one of the following:
  • A major infrastructure project.
  • An event of national or regional importance.
  • A government-approved program, or a government-to-government agreement.
  • A project that will significantly benefit the national or regional economy.
  • The role must also be time-critical, which means that if the worker does not travel to New Zealand, the project/work/event they are involved with will either cease or be severely affected, or significant costs will be incurred as a result.
• Long-term roles (more than six months). Workers must meet one of the two short-term worker criteria and they must also:
  • Earn twice the median salary (approximately $106,000) or have a role that is essential for the completion of a government-funded science program, the delivery or execution of a government-approved event, or a role in a program that is of major significance to New Zealand.
  • Those applying under this category may also request approval for their partner and dependent children to accompany them to New Zealand.

Analysis & Comments: Strict quarantine rules remain for anyone coming into New Zealand. Workers and their families must secure a place in managed isolation or quarantine for 14 days, and the worker or employer must cover the costs. Employers who believe they have an employee who may be eligible for border exemptions under the “other essential workers” category should contact Deloitte for a detailed assessment. If eligible, a border exemption application must be submitted to Immigration New Zealand (INZ).

The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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