IMPACT – HIGH

New Zealand has granted extensions for family of employer-assisted work visa holders and Recognised Seasonal Employer workers.

Key points:

  • Partners and dependents. Partners and dependents of a principal visa holder whose visas would have expired during the period Aug. 17 to Dec. 31 will have their visas extended by six months. Immigration New Zealand will send a confirmation email to such visa holders, or their licensed advisors, by Aug. 25. Those who have been granted an interim visa after submitting a new visa application are not eligible for the extension.
    Partners and dependents of a principal visa holder whose visas expire during the specified period who have submitted an application for a new visa may withdraw it and request a refund. Refunds will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Recognised Seasonal Employer Worker visa extension. Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme visas will be extended by six months for those expiring during the period Aug. 18 to Dec. 31. The extension is only for RSE workers currently in New Zealand. Those who are outside New Zealand will not be able enter the country until border restrictions are lifted, unless they obtain a travel ban exemption. RSE workers who wish to continue working in New Zealand after the six-month extension for the same purpose will be able to apply to remain in the country longer.

Background: A six-month extension was granted to in-country holders of employer-assisted visas in July.

Analysis & Comments: The extensions will provide relief to Recognised Seasonal Employer workers and family of employer-assisted work visa holders. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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