Employer Bulletin | 29 October

The Government is ensuring New Zealand attracts and retains the workers and skills it needs by returning open work rights to partners of high-skilled migrants.

“We are committed to growing the economy and our immigration system is critical to that. From 2 December, open work rights will be available to partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders working in higher-skilled roles who earn at least 80% of the median wage,” Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says.

The same rights will also be available for partners of AEWV holders working in lower-skilled roles who are on a pathway to residence. The changes deliver on the coalition commitment between National and ACT to make it easier for family members of visa holders to work here. 

“The previous Government’s decision to restrict the settings caused enormous distress amongst our migrant communities. We want high-skilled migrants to see New Zealand as an attractive and supportive place to move with their families. We need to build capacity in sectors facing skills shortages, like healthcare and education.”

In today’s Bulletin:

• Constructive dismissal claim successful after employer changes location of work
• Authority finds work was carried out in voluntary capacity
• Authority considers whether salaried employee is fairly compensated
• Employer mistakes probationary period with trial period
• Employee fails to prove employer unilaterally varied employment agreement
• Seven news updates of interest for employers including: NZ joins UK initiative for AI safety; Coalition Government’s reforms give workers the best chance to succeed and prosper; Overseas merchandise trade: September 2024; Open work rights return for partners of high skilled migrants; Anniversary of Equal Pay Act shows we have more to do; Total greenhouse gas emissions rise 1.1% in the June 2024 quarter; and Dr Derek Johnston reappointed to the Commerce Commission. 
• Eight bills open for submission