The New Zealand Government has confirmed a number of updates to immigration settings as part of the rebalance.

“Our immigration system is complex, and must continually evolve to underwrite the economic recovery, support businesses to fill gaps, and grow strong communities,” says Immigration Minister Andrew Little.

The areas that have been updated include judicial warrant process for out-of-hours compliance visits; 2023/24 Recognised Seasonal Employer cap; additional roles for Construction and Infrastructure Sector Agreement; more roles added to Green List; and three-month extension for onshore Recovery Visa holders.

Out of hours compliance visits legislative change recommendation response 

Mike Heron KC’s independent review into out of hours immigration visits made five recommendations.

Four of the recommendations were for MBIE, have been accepted by the department, and are being implemented.

The final recommendation was for the Government ‘to consider amending the Immigration Act 2009 to specify criteria for out of hours compliance visits by Immigration New Zealand compliance officers and consider whether those involving residential addresses be stopped entirely, or made subject to judicial search warrant, or otherwise limited to specific situations, such as those involving public safety or matters of national security’.

“The government is committed to continuing to right the wrongs of the past, and honouring the historic Dawn Raids Apology to Pacific people with action,” says Little.

“Cabinet has agreed to a policy that the Act be amended to require a judicial warrant to be sought for out-of-hours compliance activity.

“Requiring a judicial warrant will ensure powers are not used disproportionately and there is a legal, third-party check and balance. It will mean this aspect of immigration compliance activity aligns with the intent of the 2021 Dawn Raids apology.”

RSE cap 

The Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme cap will increase by 500, to allow up to up to 19,500 workers to be employed for the 2023/24 season.

“Our horticulture and viticulture sectors asked for a moderate increase to the RSE cap for the year ahead," says Little.

"The increase strikes the right balance between giving New Zealanders first access to jobs, the availability of suitable accommodation, and the importance of remittances and access for our Pacific Island neighbours."

Work continues on the RSE policy review which has focused on prioritising workers’ wellbeing and the long-term sustainability of the scheme.

Additional roles for Construction and Infrastructure Sector Agreement 

The Construction and Infrastructure Sector Agreement enables employers to recruit migrants for roles on the sector agreement at a lower wage threshold - currently $26.69 per hour - than under the Accredited Employer Work Visa, which has a current wage threshold of $29.66.

“Cabinet has agreed to add seven roles to the agreement next year to continue the government’s delivery of new houses and infrastructure."

More roles added to Green List

Following the latest review, Cabinet has agreed to add 17 roles to the Green List.

“From next year the ICT, automotive and engineering sectors will have the option of Green List visas when they need to fill specialist skilled role when a New Zealand worker cannot be found,” says Little. 

Recovery visa 

Existing onshore Recovery Visa holders can now apply for a three-month extension in which to transition to longer term work visas, and the category has now closed to new applications.

“The Recovery Visa was an immediate response to the Auckland floods and Cyclone Gabrielle," says Little.

"Our focus is now on building a longer-term workforce to support the recovery ongoing recovery and be ready to respond to future extreme weather events.

Additional construction and Infrastructure Sector Agreement roles: 

o      Driller’s Assistant

o      Earthmoving Labourer

o      Earthmoving Plant Operator general

o      Linemarker

o      Machine Operators not elsewhere classified

o      Mechanic’s Assistant 

o      Road Traffic Controller

Additional Green List roles:

o      Aircraft Maintenance Engineer 

o      Aviation Engineer (Avionics, Aeronautical, Aerospace Engineer) 

o      Corrections Officer 

o      Fitter and Turner 

o      Fitter general

o      Fitter-Welder 

o      ICT Database and System Administrator

o      Mechanical Engineering Technician

o      Metal Fabricator 

o      Metal Machinist first class

o      Naval Architect (Marine Designer) 

o      Panel Beater

o      Paving Plant Operator 

o      Pressure Welder 

o      Road Roller Operator 

o      Vehicle Painter

o      Welder