To address labour shortages in specific sectors, New Zealand has introduced a new temporary visa option for seasonal workers. The government has launched a new subcategory within the Specific Purpose Work Visa, designed to provide short-term relief for industries experiencing seasonal peaks, such as harvesting, ski teaching and tree planting.
Key sectors included are horticulture, viticulture and other industries requiring seasonal labour, according to Immigration New Zealand.
How to apply?
To apply for this visa, workers must submit their applications by 31 March 2025. Employers must meet several criteria, including having employer accreditation, offering a minimum wage of NZD 29.66 (Rs 1,543) per hour for at least 30 hours per week, and advertising the position prior to recruitment. Evidence of this advertisement must be provided to the applicant to include in their visa application. New Zealand Immigration is also exploring the need for a longer-term visa option as part of an ongoing review of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
Changes to the Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) system
The Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme is undergoing changes to benefit Pacific workers and specific sectors in New Zealand. From 2 September 2024, employers will be required to ensure that RSE workers are paid an average of 30 hours per week over a four-week period. This adjustment is intended to address employers’ concerns about fluctuating labour availability due to weather conditions, which previously required them to pay for hours not worked.
RSE workers will now be issued a multiple-entry visa, allowing them to leave and return to New Zealand during the season. However, they will need to cover their own costs for any temporary departure, including flights. In addition, the HIV test requirement has been removed to bring the RSE visa into line with other visas.
Employers will be able to increase accommodation costs by 15 per cent or NZD 15.00 per week, whichever is less, for 12 months. This change applies only to workers who have not already agreed accommodation costs by 2 September 2024. Any increase must be for real, reasonable and verifiable expenses.
Flexibility for CSR workers
RSE workers will have more flexibility to move between employers and regions. The grace period for moving will be extended from 14 to 21 days. This increased flexibility applies to both joint worker transfer applications (ATRs) and those from individual employers with multiple workplaces. INZ will consider additional opportunities to increase flexibility as part of its ongoing review of the RSE scheme.
Salary of CSR workers
From the 2024-2025 season, RSE workers returning for their third or subsequent seasons will be required to be paid at least NZD 25.47 (Rs 1,325) per hour, which is 10 per cent more than the minimum wage. For new workers, the wage requirement will be the New Zealand minimum wage.
What is the new limit for CSR workers?
The RSE cap on the number of workers for the 2024-2025 season has been increased to 20,750, up 1,250 from the previous season. This adjustment reflects the anticipated growth of the industry in sectors such as wine and kiwifruit exports, balancing labour needs with available accommodation for workers.
What is the Specific Purpose Work Visa?
The Specific Purpose Work Visa is intended for people coming to New Zealand to perform a specific role or event, particularly during peak seasons. Applicants must meet criteria such as having at least four months of relevant work experience, earning a minimum of NZD 29.66 per hour and working at least 30 hours per week. Employers must be accredited and provide a completed Employer Supplementary Form (INZ 1113) with the job offer.
This visa is also aimed at senior business people or specialists on short-term secondments, dance and music examiners, critical healthcare workers and other critical workers on a Critical Purpose Visitor Visa (CPVV). Specific criteria apply depending on the position, including the need for a job offer that complies with New Zealand employment law and proof of relevant experience or qualifications.
How long can you stay with this visa?
The length of stay with a work visa for specific purposes depends on the position, but can be up to nine months. The stay is linked to the length of the contract for the seasonal position.
Costs and deadlines
For Indians, the application fee for the Specific Purpose Work Visa is NZD 735 (Rs 38,237), which includes a non-refundable immigration fee and an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism (IVL) fee of NZD 35 (Rs 1,820).
New Zealand Immigration processes applications within three weeks. Applicants can apply online, upload their documents and pay the relevant fees during the process.
First published: August 26, 2024 | 18:26 IS
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