New Zealand will change its immigration rules on 2 December 2024 to allow more partners of migrant workers to work without restrictions.

This policy aims to address labor shortages and improve labor retention in various sectors.

According to this announcement from Immigration New Zealand (INZ), the government is making changes to offer open work rights to more partners of migrant workers, allowing them to work for any employer.

This will help families stay together and attract and retain the workers New Zealand needs to fill gaps in sectors experiencing skills and labor shortages.

Eligibility criteria

From 2 December 2024, open work rights will be available for:

• all Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) partners working in an Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) level 1-3 role and earning at least $25.29 per hour (80% of wage standard medium)
• partners of AEWV holders earning at least $25.29 per hour if they were already sponsoring a partner for a work visa on June 26, 2024
• all partners of Essential Skills work visa holders earn at least $25.29 per hour.

In addition, open work rights will be available to partners of AEWV holders working in an ANZSCO Level 4-5 role:

• earning at least $47.41 per hour (150 percent of the standard average wage) or

• earning at least $31.61 per hour in a Green List role and meeting the Green List requirements for that role, or

• earning at least $25.29 per hour (80 percent of the standard average wage) and meeting the requirements of a role in the transport or care sector agreements (or the wage specified in the sector agreement, whichever is higher).

The immigration body also informs that “Current holders of partner work visas with specific employment conditions will be able to apply to change their visa conditions to switch to open work rights if their partner meets any of the above.”

If you meet the above criteria, you will be able to apply for a variation of conditions or a new work visa from 2 December 2024.

What to know

ANZSCO stands for Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations. It classifies jobs into groups based on similar tasks and responsibilities.

Each position must be associated with a single ANZSCO occupation, which includes a description of the role, along with its duties, level of responsibility and focus. While the right occupation should closely align with your job, it doesn’t have to be an exact match. Each occupation is identified by a six-digit ANZSCO code found before the occupation title.

There are two versions of the ANZSCO list available: version 1.2 and version 1.3. You should use the appropriate version depending on the visa you are applying for.

Exploitation Policy Updates

TravelBiz also reports that starting October 31, New Zealand will also review its visa policies to combat migrant exploitation. This includes discontinuing the second Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa (MEPV), which was available to workers who report exploitation.

Government support for change

These immigration changes are intended to fill labor shortages in various industries. By allowing the partners of skilled migrants to work, the government aims to retain talent and promote economic growth.

Act Party immigration spokeswoman Parmjeet Parmar is reported to have noted that this will help employers retain key staff. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford stressed the importance of restoring the working rights of those who contribute to the economy.

With these changes, New Zealand is positioning itself as a more attractive destination for skilled workers and their families.

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