Update on the news: This change will allow the partners of migrant workers who are already in the country or in the process of applying to obtain an open work visa. Presently, they are restricted to seeking employment with an Accredited employer exclusively. Additional information is provided below.
The Government is making changes to provide 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 facing skill and labour shortages.
From 2 December 2024, open work rights will be available to:
all partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) working in an Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) Level 1-3 role and earning at least NZD$25.29 an hour (80 percent of the standard median wage)
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
all partners of Essential Skills work visa holders earning at least $25.29 an hour.
Furthermore, open work rights will be available to partners of AEWV holders working in an ANZSCO Level 4-5 role:
earning at least $47.41 an hour (150 percent of the standard median wage), or
earning at least $31.61 an hour in a role on the Green List and meeting the Green List requirements for that role, or
earning at least $25.29 an hour (80 percent of the standard median 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).
Current holders of partner work visas with specific employment conditions, will be able to apply to vary their visa conditions to switch to open work rights, if their partner meets any of the above situations. These changes come into effect from 2nd December 2024
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