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In May 2020, the Government introduced temporary powers to manage the impact of COVID-19 on immigration matters.  Then on 7 July 2020, it made three key changes to temporary work visas to assist migrant workers and businesses to manage the impact of COVID-19:

1. Employer sponsored work visas (essential skills or work to residence) due to expire between 9 July and 31 December 2020 will be automatically extended by six months.
2. The 12 month stand down period for employees due to leave NZ between August 2020 and 31 December 2020 will be delayed by six months.
3. Any new Essential Skills work visa applications, submitted after 10 July 2020, for lower skilled roles, will only be granted for a maximum of six months.

The intent is that employers will avoid trying to recruit and train new employees immediately, by these changes.

Please contact us if you would like more information and specific advice about these changes, how they will impact on your business and what steps you can take to prepare.

Disclaimer: We remind you that while this article provides commentary on employment law and health and safety topics, it should not be used as a substitute for legal or professional advice for specific situations. Please seek legal advice from your lawyer for any questions specific to your workplace.