Significant changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) come into effect today, 10 March 2025, which sees the removal of the median wage requirement and required work experience reduced.
Hospitality New Zealand ethnic advisory board member Robin Lee, who is also co-owner of Catch 21 Eatery and 21 Days Bar and Brasserie believes the changes are a step in the right direction, but still “a long way to go” to become a “game changer” for the industry.
Post-Covid recovery for the hospitality sector which includes restaurants, bars, hotels, and tourism has been choppy. The changes to the AEWV coming into effect in stages from today is expected to help ease staff shortages.
But while the AEWV Phase Two presents opportunities, it also prevents challenges for businesses and migrant workers.
Employers intending to employ migrant workers should review their job offers to align and ensure compliance with the new minimum wage requirements.
For migrant workers, do check if you qualify under the new criteria if you want to apply for a visa. If you plan to bring in dependents, ensure also that your income meets the new financial threshold.
The changes include:
Median wage requirement dropped: Employers need to meet only the minimum wage, set at $23.50 per hour from April 1, 2025.
Previously, AEWV applicants had to meet New Zealand’s median wage requirement, but from today 10 March 2025, this rule will be scrapped.
This means employers no longer need to justify salaries based on median wage calculations.
But it doesn’t mean you can employ a hotel manager or a highly skilled restaurant manager on minimum wage.
Migrants must still be paid at least the market rate to ensure fair pay alongside New Zealand workers.
Work experience requirement reduced: Migrant workers need only two years of relevant experience, down from three.
This would make it easier for skilled workers to qualify for jobs in New Zealand.
Extended visa for low-skilled workers: ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 occupations will be eligible for a three-year visa.
Under a new simplified process, employers wanting to hire lower-skilled employees need only declare that they had advertised jobs with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and interviewed suitable candidates.
These migrant workers will now also qualify for a three-year AEWV, which would provide them with greater job stability and help employers with long-term workforce planning.
New skills recognized: Several jobs have been classified as higher-skilled occupations, opening up new residency opportunities.
The newly reclassified occupations include cook, slaughterer, nanny, fitness instructor, pet groomer, and scaffolder which will now be classified as ANZSCO Level 3.
This means improving career prospects for migrant workers in these professions. Applicants can apply for visas with higher-skilled pathways and may qualify for residency.
Higher-income requirement to bring in dependent children: Migrant workers must earn at least $55,844 per year to support dependent children.
From today, migrants must earn at the stated amount - which is 80% of the median wage - to support visas for dependent children.
Previously, the threshold was $43,322.76, which will still apply to applications submitted before today.
Work rights for interim visa holders: From April 2025, applicants waiting for a decision or on interim visas will be granted work rights.
This means they can work and prevent employment gaps for the applicants.
Higher income needed for family sponsorship: Changes to family sponsorship would make it harder for migrant workers to bring in their partners or parents.
Partner sponsorship threshold increases to NZD $26.85 per hour and Parent Category sponsors must earn NZD $33.56 per hour.
Lee said the changes mean it will be better for employers and it will help many in the hospitality sector during these challenging times.
“But the stricter financial requirements for migrants to bring their partners and parents to New Zealand will be a put off to many migrant workers,” Lee said.
“Family plays a big part in a migrant workers’ decision on where they choose to settle and work. If that becomes a barrier to them, they are not going to choose New Zealand, it’s as simple as that.”
Lincoln Tan was a former senior reporter with The New Zealand Herald specialising in immigration and diversity
