Immigration Policy Changes

For organisations who hire labour under work visas and sub contract those employees in the construction sector in Canterbury, there is now a mandatory requirement to be accredited by 1 January 2016. 

For the purpose of these changes “Canterbury” has been defined as the territorial authorities of Christchurch City Council, Selwyn District Council and Waimakariri District Council, and employment is considered to be in the Canterbury region if “the entire or principal place of work” is within these areas.

If an organisation is recruiting under this scheme they will not be able to utilise a trial period provision in their employment agreements. On a positive note, employers in this scheme will no longer be required to meet all upfront and ongoing costs in the recruitment of such workers, as had been the case previously.

In regards to applications to become accredited the policy is clear that the organisation will need good workplace practices, and that the third party, where the employee is to be placed, also has good workplace practices.  Any ongoing non-compliance could result in the accreditation status being revoked and any future applications being declined.

Relevant to these changes, it is important employers are careful regarding the location of employees, and not breaching visa conditions by shifting employees to other locations, outside of Canterbury, without the necessary visa changes.

Disclaimer: This information is taken from the website of Immigration New Zealand.

Please note that Chapman Employment Relations Ltd do not provide advice in this area. For further information about any Immigration matters please go to http://www.immigration.govt.nz/