Immigration alert: Changes to Partner Work Rights
Background
Currently, most partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders are granted conditional work visas, allowing work at median wage or higher for an accredited employer only. Exceptions are in place for partners of AEWV holders working in Green List roles, or earning at least double the median wage.
Update
From 2 December 2024, more partners of migrant workers will receive open work visas. This will include:
- partners of AEWV holders working in an ANZSCO Level 1-3 role earning at least $25.29 an hour.
- partners of AEWV holders earning at least $25.29 an hour if they were already supporting a partner for a work visa on 26 June 2024.
- partners of AEWV holders working in an ANZSCO Level 4-5 role:
- earning at least NZD$47.41 an hour; or
- earning at least NZD$31.61 an hour in a Green List role, having met the Green List requirements for the role; or
- earning at least NZD$25.29 an hour, having met the requirements of a role in the Transport or Care Sector Agreements (or the wage specified in the sector agreement; whichever is higher).
- partners of Essential Skills Work Visa holders earning at least $25.39 per hour.
Eligible partners on conditional work visas will be able to vary these to open work rights.
Our thoughts
Many partners of migrant workers have found it difficult to find employment that meets the current median wage and accredited employer requirements. Removing these restrictions is a welcome update and will help New Zealand attract the skilled workers that it needs.
Want to know more?
Please contact our specialist Immigration Team.
PDF version available here.