The New Zealand government has announced significant changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) to simplify the process for businesses looking to hire migrant workers. These updates, which will take effect from March, are aimed at addressing skill shortages while ensuring New Zealanders are prioritized for job opportunities.

One of the most notable changes is the removal of the median wage threshold, meaning businesses no longer need to offer salaries at or above the median wage to be eligible for the AEWV. This will make it easier for employers to hire migrant workers for roles that traditionally paid below the median wage, broadening the pool of potential employees. Additionally, the minimum experience requirement for lower-skilled migrants has been reduced to just two years, a significant change that opens doors for more people to enter the workforce.

The new AEWV conditions will also see a shift in the duration of visas for migrants in lower-skilled ANZCO level 4-5 roles. Instead of the usual two-year duration, these visas will now be valid for three years, in alignment with the maximum continuous stay allowed under the visa scheme. This adjustment aims to provide more stability for workers and help businesses retain employees for longer periods.

Further changes will give applicants more flexibility. AEWV applicants will now be allowed to work while their visa is being processed, provided they are also applying for other work visas or student visas. This move is designed to support migrants in securing employment while waiting for their application to be approved.

In the construction sector, the government has also made adjustments to the percentage of employees that need to be New Zealand citizens or residents. Previously, businesses were required to have 35 percent of their workforce made up of New Zealanders. The new rules will reduce this requirement to just 15 percent, giving employers greater flexibility in hiring migrant workers for these roles.

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford, who unveiled the changes on Tuesday morning, emphasized the government's aim to strike a balance between attracting skilled workers and managing migration levels responsibly. “Our focus remains on attracting more higher-skilled workers while managing migration levels responsibly, so New Zealand has access to the skills we need to grow our economy,” she said. Stanford also pointed out that the previous government’s use of the median wage as a proxy for skill had been ineffective, leading to wage distortions and in some cases, businesses paying migrant workers more than local workers doing the same job.

In addition to the changes to the AEWV, the government has also agreed in principle to introduce two new seasonal visas by late 2025. These visas aim to provide a more tailored and flexible response to the specific needs of businesses in certain sectors and regions, extending the current seasonal subcategory for temporary work.

The updates to New Zealand’s visa system are part of an ongoing effort to streamline immigration policies, making the process more efficient for employers while ensuring that the country continues to prioritize its own workforce. With these changes, the government hopes to meet the needs of businesses facing labor shortages, while maintaining a strong focus on the well-being of New Zealand workers.