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Key Changes in New Zealand’s Visa Rules for Foreign Workers:
1. Removal of for AEWV and SPWV Holders
What are AEWV I SPWV?
AEWV stands for Accredited Employer Work Visa which is a type of temporary work visa that allows foreign workers to stay in New Zealand for up to five (5) years.
SPWV stands for Specific Purpose Work Visa, a visa that allows holders to work in New Zealand for a specific project, event, or assignment. The length of stay a worker is allowed depends on the length of the purpose stated in the application of the SPW.
With the removal of the median wage requirements for AEWV and SPWV holders, employers are now able to offer market-based salaries and even more competitive incentives to workers. This gives businesses the power to negotiate wages and ensures that workers are compensated fairly as they address the existing needs of the job market.
NOTE: Migrant workers who wish to bring their children to New Zealand are still subject to a specific income requirement. AEWV holders who wish to bring their children to New Zealand are required to have an annual Income of at least NZ$55,844. This stands as proof of their financial capability to support themselves during their stay in the country.
2. Reduced Work Experience Requirements
Second to the removal of wage requirements is the reduction of required work years. Previously, migrant workers were instructed to have at least three (3) years of work experience to qualify for certain work visas. The basis of such a requirement was to ensure that migrant workers were sufficiently equipped with the fundamental skills in their respective fields. But beginning this year, the bar will be reduced to two (2) years—a year shorter than what was initially required but that which still guarantees the migrant workers are as skilled as they are being endorsed.
This particular change in visa rules is expected to bring in more skilled workers, especially in fields that are high in worker demand.
Interested in occupations bound to New Zealand? Visit this page that features the current open jobs abroad.
3. Introduction of Seasonal Worker Visas
Given the seasonality of some active industries in New Zealand, the government has introduced two (2) new visa options for seasonal labor roles. This initiative aims at ensuring that labor shortages are addressed effectively, especially during peak season.
4. Increased Visa Duration to Three (3) Years for Low-Skilled Jobs
Workers belonging to Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) Level 4 or 5 are now eligible to receive three-year visas, with an optional additional one-year extension. The visa length which was originally two (2) years is extended to three (3) years under the new visa reform.
Workers who are already holders of two-year visas may seek an application for a one-year extension granted that they meet specific eligibility criteria.
Additional Changes
Aside from the reformation of visa rules, New Zealand has also implemented the reduction of domestic workforce requirement for specific roles in the construction industry. From a 35% requirement, it has since been cut down to 15%, allowing companies within the construction industry to hire international labor more efficiently.
Alongside this, New Zealand has plans to introduce Interim Work Rights for AEWV Applicants starting in April 2025. This is aimed at assisting work/student visa holders as their AEWV application is being processed.
How New Zealand’s Change in Visa Rules Impact Hopeful Skilled Filipino Workers
The changes enacted by the government of New Zealand have a far-reaching impact on skilled Filipinos. Especially lowering the criterion for work experience makes it less difficult for Filipino workers to meet work requirements. The leniency benefits skilled Filipino workers in ways that make the prospect of working in New Zealand less daunting.
On that note, these changes boost the aspirations of many skilled Filipino workers, and the promise of better opportunities for personal and professional growth presents itself to Filipino workers more clearly.
“Of course, there is also the promise of greater financial security due to higher income.”
Because New Zealand’s visa rule changes were implemented partly to address labor shortages, employers may be more inclined to offer higher salaries to attract skilled and experienced Filipino workers.
Takeaway: A Forward Approach With Lasting Outcomes
In their bid to tackle the ongoing labor challenge, New Zealand steps up to the plate by revamping its existing visa rules to balance the needs of its local labor force and its demand for migrant workers.
Moreover, the commitment to supporting economic growth and creating a sustainable and inclusive labor market that addresses the needs of both businesses and workers shows in their dedicated revamping of their visa rules.
By easing and streamlining the immigration process for employers and skilled workers, New Zealand paints itself as an appealing destination for migrants from all over the world.
That’s why, it wouldn’t be a shock to see New Zealand’s challenges with labor shortages diminish before our very own eyes in a few years’ time. Now, it is up to manpower and recruitment agencies for New Zealand to step up and act alongside NZ’s efforts to combat its labor shortage challenge.
References:
Damani, Y. (2025, January 6). New Zealand updates work visa rules to attract skilled international workforce. Business Traveller. https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2025/01/06/new-zealand-updates-work-visa-rules-to-attract-skilled-international-workforce/
New Zealand revamps visa and employment policies to attract global talent and Boost Tourism Opportunities. Travel And Tour World. (2025, January 5). https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/new-zealand-revamps-visa-and-employment-policies-to-attract-global-talent-and-boost-tourism-opportunities/
Sekhar, – Metla Sudha, Mukeri, – Zafer, Elearnmarkets, Godin, – Seth, Rai, – Sachenkumar, Penny, – Nigel, De, – Tanusree, Moore, – Pam, Somani, – Shraddha, & Gupta, – CA Rahul. (2025, January 3). New Zealand unveils changes to Visa and employment rules to simplify immigration process. The Economic Times. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/work/new-zealand-unveils-changes-to-visa-and-employment-rules-to-simplify-immigration-process/articleshow/116907733.cms?from=mdr
