New Zealand Announces Major Immigration Updates – Key Changes for Employers and Workers

The New Zealand government has recently introduced several immigration updates that impact employers, workers, and visitors. These changes enhance work flexibility for visitors, streamline employer requirements, and update visa regulations. Here are the key highlights:

Remote Work Now Permitted for Visitors

As of 27 January 2025, visitors to New Zealand holding a visitor visa or NZeTA can now work remotely for overseas employers or clients. This means tourists and individuals visiting family can continue working as digital nomads without violating their visa conditions. However, they must not:

• Work for a New Zealand employer.
• Provide goods or services to people or businesses in New Zealand.
• Perform work that requires their physical presence at a workplace.

Tax Implications:

• If taxed in another country, income is generally exempt from New Zealand tax, provided the visitor stays no more than 92 days in a 12-month period.
• For individuals from countries with tax treaties with New Zealand (e.g., Australia, UK, US, most of Europe and Asia), this exemption may extend up to 183 days.
• If staying beyond the exempt period, income will be taxed from the first day of presence in New Zealand.

2025 Opening Dates for Capped Working Holiday Schemes (WHS)

The 2025 WHS opening dates have now been confirmed. Applications will remain open until quotas are filled. If places remain available from 2024, those schemes will stay open until the quota is reached, before resetting in 2025.

Changes to Employer Accreditation Requirements for Hiring Migrant Workers

Effective 27 January 2025, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has removed the requirement for accredited employers to complete Employment New Zealand’s online modules. The previous obligation for employers to allocate time for migrant workers to complete employee modules has also been scrapped. Instead, INZ will provide employers and workers with links to essential employment rights and obligations.

Reduction in Domestic Workforce Threshold for Construction Roles

Another significant reform is the reduction of the domestic workforce threshold from 35% to 15% for triangular employers hiring workers in construction roles, aligning with other sectors. Employers must meet this threshold throughout their accreditation period.

These reforms are part of the broader changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program announced on 17 December 2024.

Mandatory NZeTA for Cargo Ship Crew and Passengers from 1 April 2025

From 1 April 2025, all crew members and passengers on foreign cargo ships must have a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before traveling to the country. Applications for Traveller NZeTAs opened on 3 February 2025, while registered cargo carriers can apply for Crew NZeTAs via the Batch ETA system.

The cost of an NZeTA ranges from NZD $17 to $23, with validity periods of 2 years for visitors and 5 years for crew members. Passengers are also required to pay an International Visitor and Conservation Levy of NZD $100.

How These Changes Affect You

If you are a business looking to employ migrant workers, a digital nomad considering New Zealand as your next destination, or an employer needing immigration support, staying updated with these changes is crucial.