Visa extensions announced for Recognised Seasonal Employer workers and family of employer-assisted work visas

IMPACT – HIGH

New Zealand has granted extensions for family of employer-assisted work visa holders and Recognised Seasonal Employer workers.

Key points:

• Partners and dependents. Partners and dependents of a principal visa holder whose visas would have expired during the period Aug. 17 to Dec. 31 will have their visas extended by six months. Immigration New Zealand will send a confirmation email to such visa holders, or their licensed advisors, by Aug. 25. Those who have been granted an interim visa after submitting a new visa application are not eligible for the extension.
  Partners and dependents of a principal visa holder whose visas expire during the specified period who have submitted an application for a new visa may withdraw it and request a refund. Refunds will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Recognised Seasonal Employer Worker visa extension. Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme visas will be extended by six months for those expiring during the period Aug. 18 to Dec. 31. The extension is only for RSE workers currently in New Zealand. Those who are outside New Zealand will not be able enter the country until border restrictions are lifted, unless they obtain a travel ban exemption. RSE workers who wish to continue working in New Zealand after the six-month extension for the same purpose will be able to apply to remain in the country longer.

Background: A six-month extension was granted to in-country holders of employer-assisted visas in July.

Analysis & Comments: The extensions will provide relief to Recognised Seasonal Employer workers and family of employer-assisted work visa holders. 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.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.