The government of New Zealand has announced that it will increase its minimum wage threshold in February 2023.

Key Points:

  • Beginning Feb. 27, 2023, the median wage will increase to 29.66 NZD per hour from 27.76 NZD per hour.
  • Employers hiring foreign nationals using the Accredited Employer Visa (AEWV) category must meet median wage requirements or use an exemption.
  • Income requirements are based on the annual New Zealand Labor Market Statistics information released annually.

BAL Analysis: Affected employers should take note of the change and budget for the increases as needed. The new income requirement affects only applications received by Immigration New Zealand on and after Feb. 27, 2023. The changes do not affect current visa holders or Job Check applications received by Immigration New Zealand before Feb. 27, 2023.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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