Migrant families are rejoicing as the government has dropped major restrictions on spouses of work visa holders being able to work in New Zealand.
Partners of overseas workers on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) are currently allowed to work only if they meet a stringent threshold.
These limitations have had serious bearing on the financial stability of migrants, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford told The Indian Weekender. All that is changing come December 2.
As per current rules, partners of only those high-skill AEWV holders (ANZSCO Level 1-3 roles) who earn at least the median wage are allowed to work. But that threshold has been slashed to up to 80 per cent of the median wage now.
Open work rights will now be available to spouses of any AEWV holder in this category who earns at least NZ$25.29 an hour. The icing on the cake is partners are no longer required to work only for accredited employers, a restriction that was keeping many in this category out of the job market.
“This was a huge pain point,” Stanford says. “Migrants make a tremendous contribution to the economy and we want to make sure we provide conditions in which they are able to thrive.”
As per new rules, open work rights will also be available to 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; and also to all partners of Essential Skills work visa holders earning at least $25.29 an hour.
Those working in low-skill roles–ANZSCO Level 4-5–also have some reason to cheer. Partners of those earning at least $47.41 an hour (150 per cent of the standard median wage) will also get open work rights.
That facility will be extended also to partners of low-skill workers 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 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).
Vandana Rai, Director of Auckland-based Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd, said the changes will allow families to work in New Zealand and balances the immigration system.
“This change will allow families of visa holders to work, enhancing New Zealand's reputation as a family-friendly destination. It represents a pragmatic immigration approach, making the country appealing to essential migrant workers while prioritising local opportunities and contributing to a thriving and inclusive economy.”
Pawandeep Singh of Auckland-based Kiwiana Immigration welcomed the government’s move.
“This change not only strengthens family unity but also provides partners with greater flexibility and opportunities to contribute to New Zealand’s workforce. By enabling partners to seek employment more freely, New Zealand is reinforcing its commitment to supporting migrant families, while also addressing key labor shortages across various sectors."
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