2025 AEWV changes bring holiday cheer to NZ’s tourism & hospitality sectors
Visa changes are good news for tourism and hospitality businesses – a most welcome Christmas gift!
The tourism and hospitality sectors are celebrating the government’s announcement of major changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) system, set to roll out in stages starting January 2025.
Both Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) and Hospitality New Zealand (Hospitality NZ) have welcomed the reforms as a positive step for businesses struggling with workforce challenges.
A win for tourism businesses
TIA Chief Executive Rebecca Ingram praised the government for listening to industry concerns, calling the changes “excellent news.”
She highlighted the removal of the median wage requirement as a key win, addressing wage distortions where overseas workers were sometimes paid more than local employees.
“This change enables a more level playing field for businesses and employees in how they package up employee remuneration and benefits, and how they recognise individuals,” Ms Ingram said.
Other improvements, such as streamlined seasonal pathways and extended visa durations, will make it easier to recruit skilled staff from the international talent pool.
Ms Ingram noted the three-year visa extension for ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 roles brings much-needed stability for employers and workers.
“This is exactly what we needed just before Christmas, and we look forward to working with Immigration New Zealand in the New Year,” she added.
Hospitality sector celebrates workforce wins
Hospitality NZ echoed the enthusiasm, with Chief Executive Steve Armitage applauding the removal of the median wage requirement as a critical improvement.
“We have long advocated for the removal of the median wage requirement, as it was an arbitrary benchmark equating pay rates with skills that are needed,” Mr Armitage said.
Key changes welcomed by the hospitality sector include:
- Increasing visa durations to three years for ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 roles.
- Amending the MSD engagement requirement and removing the 21-day advertising obligations, reducing delays during busy trading periods.
- Greater work rights for those on interim visas, allowing them to remain employed while awaiting visa decisions.
Mr Armitage acknowledged the frustration visa delays have caused but expressed optimism that the reforms address these concerns.
“Increasing visa duration and providing greater work rights will provide certainty and reduce stress for our migrant workforce.”
The Hospitality Summit last week highlighted many of these issues, and Mr Armitage said the industry’s feedback is reflected in the reforms.
“While we continue to focus on attracting domestic talent into hospitality, easing the ability to access our valuable migrant workforce is a great win for the industry.”
Implementation in stages
The changes, which include streamlined job-check processes and improved visa processing times, will be implemented in four stages across 2025, beginning in January. These reforms provide both industries with renewed optimism as they prepare for a busy year ahead.
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