The New Zealand Government has announced amendments to the Work and Income engagement requirement for employers hiring under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme. These changes, effective March 2025, aim to streamline the process while maintaining fairness in hiring practices.
What’s Changing?
- Declaration-Based Engagement:
- Employers hiring for ANZSCO Level 4 or 5 roles will need to declare that they:
- Advertised the position with Work and Income.
- Interviewed candidates who could have been suitable for the role, in good faith.
- No 21-Day Rule:
- The mandatory 21-day timeframe for engaging with Work and Income will be removed, offering employers greater flexibility during recruitment.
Why the Change?
The new approach simplifies compliance while ensuring employers prioritize New Zealanders for job opportunities. It also aligns with existing recruitment efforts in the domestic labour market, making the process more practical for businesses.
What This Means for Employers
- Employers can fulfil Work and Income engagement requirements alongside their standard recruitment processes.
- The declaration-based model reduces administrative burden while maintaining accountability.
VisaSector’s Support for Employers
At VisaSector, we understand the importance of navigating these changes efficiently. Whether you’re preparing for job checks or understanding new requirements, our team is here to assist.
Simplify your recruitment process with VisaSector—your trusted partner for immigration solutions in New Zealand!