by: Kathryn Evans, Senior Associate | Harriet France, Associate
Following recommendations from the recent Bestwick Review, the Government has announced a suite of changes to the Accredited Employer Worker Visa (AEWV) scheme, which came into effect on 7 April 2024. These changes are aimed at reducing migrant vulnerability to exploitation as well as continuing to attract highly skilled migrants into areas with skills shortages in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford noted that many of the changes to the AEWV scheme are not actually new, but rather a “return to pre-pandemic settings that better balanced the needs of businesses with the wider interests of New Zealand”. These changes include:
The Government has also confirmed that it does not intend to progress previous plans to add 11 roles to the Green List, including welders, fitters and turners. It has also stated that the Work to Residence pathway for bus and truck drivers is closing to new applicants, as the driver shortages reported when this was established have been filled.
If you have any questions about the impact of any of the AEWV changes, please contact our specialist Employment Team.
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