New Zealand: New Recognized Employer Requirements

Key Points  

• New Zealand will introduce several new requirements for the Recognized Seasonal Employer visa scheme beginning 2 September 2024 

Overview  

The government of New Zealand will introduce several new requirements for the Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) visa scheme beginning 2 September 2024. These changes include the following: 

• Employers must pay RSE workers an average of 30 hours a week over 4 weeks. 
• RSE workers will now be granted a visa that will allow them to leave and return to New Zealand during a season. 
• RSE workers will no longer have to be screened for HIV. 
• The pause on accommodation cost increases will be lifted and employers can increase rents modestly. 
• RSE workers can undertake training and skills development that are unrelated to their role. 
• There will be more flexibility for RSE workers to move between employers and regions. 
• Timor-Leste will be included in the scheme. 
• The requirement to pay RSE workers at least 10 percent above the minimum wage will only apply to experienced workers returning for their third and subsequent seasons. 

In addition, the government will increase the seasonal cap for 2024 and 2025 to a total slot number of 20,750.  

Looking Ahead  

Continue to check the government of New Zealand’s website and Envoy Global’s website for the latest updates and information.