IMPACT – HIGH

Foreigners seeking entry to New Zealand as an exception to the border closures face a new process and lodgment fees. Additionally, offshore visas will be suspended.

Key points:

  • Starting Aug. 10, employers and organizations seeking entry for “other critical workers” will be charged $380 per entry request.
  • Individuals seeking entry under any other established and future critical purpose categories will pay $45 per request starting Aug. 10.
  • A new online request form will be available for employers to replace the current manual process.
  • Offshore temporary visa applications, including student visa applications, will be suspended for three months. Immigration New Zealand says it cannot process these as applicants are unlikely to meet entry requirements.
  • The following offshore temporary entry class visas are not affected: relationship-based visas for partners and dependent children of New Zealand citizens and residents, visas for diplomatic, consular and official staff and accompanying dependents, Antarctic Traveler Visitor visas and Antarctic Work visas, Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited visas.

Background: New Zealand closed its borders to non-citizens in March and has among the world’s strictest entry requirements.

Analysis & Comments: 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.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

New Zealand recently announced it will soon change the way it assesses the skill level of jobs for essential skills work visas.

Key Points:

  • Immigration New Zealand (INZ) currently uses a combination of an occupation level according to the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) and the applicant’s salary to assess if their position is low, mid or high skilled when determining an Essential Skills work visa application. From July 27, INZ will base its assessments purely on a median-wage threshold.
  • Applicants with offers of employment that pay less than the median wage of NZD $25.50 per hour will only be able to access a maximum duration of six months per visa, for the next 18 months. The maximum combined duration of all work visas below the median wage is three years, at which time holders of below the median wage work visas will be subject to a stand-down period of 12 months.
  • Below median wage work visa holders and/or applicants will be able to support partners for a visitor visa only (not a work visa). They should also be able to support visitor or student visas for dependent children, so long as their salary meets the minimum income threshold set at NZD $43,322.76 or more a year.
  • Employers supporting below median wage Essential Skills work visa applications will be required to engage with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) and provide a Skills Match Report for the purposes of meeting the Labour Market Testing requirements.
  • Applicants with offers of employment that pay at or above the median wage (NZD $25.50 per hour) will be able to access a maximum duration of three years per visa, with no maximum combined duration. These applicants are also not subject to stand-down periods and will be able to support visitor or work visas for partners as well as visitor or student visas for dependent children.

Background: The removal of ANZSCO for the assessment of Essential Skills work visa applications is part of the wider changes to employer assisted work visas that are due to be introduced by INZ in mid-2021.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should note the assessment changes and prepare accordingly.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

 

 

IMPACT – HIGH

As of June 18, there will be an additional border exemption for “other essential workers.”

Key Points:

  • Short-term roles (less than six months). Workers must have a unique and technical or specialist skill that is not obtainable in New Zealand, or they must be involved in one of the following:
    • A major infrastructure project.
    • An event of national or regional importance.
    • A government-approved program, or a government-to-government agreement.
    • A project that will significantly benefit the national or regional economy.
    • The role must also be time-critical, which means that if the worker does not travel to New Zealand, the project/work/event they are involved with will either cease or be severely affected, or significant costs will be incurred as a result.
  • Long-term roles (more than six months). Workers must meet one of the two short-term worker criteria and they must also:
    • Earn twice the median salary (approximately $106,000) or have a role that is essential for the completion of a government-funded science program, the delivery or execution of a government-approved event, or a role in a program that is of major significance to New Zealand.
    • Those applying under this category may also request approval for their partner and dependent children to accompany them to New Zealand.

Analysis & Comments: Strict quarantine rules remain for anyone coming into New Zealand. Workers and their families must secure a place in managed isolation or quarantine for 14 days, and the worker or employer must cover the costs. Employers who believe they have an employee who may be eligible for border exemptions under the “other essential workers” category should contact Deloitte for a detailed assessment. If eligible, a border exemption application must be submitted to Immigration New Zealand (INZ).

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.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

IMPACT – HIGH

The government announced additional transit guidelines for foreign nationals seeking to return to their countries of residence.

Key points:

  • Foreign nationals in New Zealand may now travel domestically to reach Christchurch or Auckland airport to leave on an international flight.
  • To get to their international flights, foreign nationals may drive, use a ride-hailing service, taxis or public transport, or take domestic flights from Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch or Dunedin airports.
  • Foreign nationals must meet strict health criteria before they travel.

Background: New Zealand announced several transit measures in late March. For more information on the transit policy, visit the New Zealand government’s COVID-19 website.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication.

 

IMPACT – HIGH

The government of Malaysia has extended the movement control order (MCO) it implemented earlier this month to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The temporary MCO will continue to be in force until April 14.

Key Points:

  • Malaysian nationals are barred from traveling abroad.
  • Visitors are barred from entering Malaysia.
  • All government offices and private businesses will be closed, save those providing essential services.
  • Anyone who disobeys the MCO may face a fine of RM1,000 and/or six months in jail.

Analysis & Comments: Employers must continue to be prepared for significant disruptions to all but essential business and government functions. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

As of 11:59 p.m., March 19, New Zealand has closed its borders to foreign nationals to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key Points:

  • Most foreign nationals can no longer enter New Zealand.
  • The entry ban does not apply to New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, residents with valid travel conditions and their immediate family members (partner or spouse, legal guardian, children under 24). Immediate family must have a valid visa or NZeTA and travel with the New Zealand citizen or resident family member on the same flight to New Zealand.
  • Australian citizens and permanent residents who normally reside in New Zealand are also exempt from the entry ban.
  • Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members (partner or spouse, legal guardian, children under 24) may transit through New Zealand to Australia.
  • All travelers returning to New Zealand must self-isolate for 14 days.

Additional information: Affected travelers must have boarded their flight by 11:59 p.m., March 19. Immigration New Zealand may make exceptions for humanitarian reasons, health and other essential workers, Samoan and Tongan citizens traveling for essential reasons, and visa holders who normally reside in New Zealand and are the partner or dependent of a temporary work or student visa holder.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is working with the Ministry of Health and other government agencies to manage the COVID-19 outbreak. These restrictions will be reviewed in 14 days.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should anticipate that the entry ban will significantly disrupt business activity and employee mobility. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

New Zealand has begun requiring almost all international travelers to self-isolate upon arrival. The change is one of a handful of measures New Zealand has implemented to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

The current restrictions are as follows:

  • Foreign nationals who were in or transited through mainland China or Iran 14 days prior to leaving for New Zealand are not allowed to enter the country. The measures do not affect foreign nationals who were in Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan.
  • Foreign nationals who were on a Diamond Princess Cruise as passengers or crew within 14 days from leaving the ship will not be allowed to enter.
  • The new restrictions do not apply to New Zealand nationals, permanent residents or residents who have valid travel conditions or their immediate family members. Australian nationals and permanent residents who have established New Zealand as their primary residence are also not subject to the restrictions.
  • New Zealand nationals, permanent residents or residents traveling from mainland China or Iran are requested to register with Healthline at 0800 358 5453 and undertake 14 days of self-isolation from the date of departure from that country or territory.
  • All foreign nationals who have been in countries and territories (not including airport transit) other than mainland China and Iran may enter the country but are requested to register with Healthline 0800 358 5453 and place themselves in 14-day self-isolation beginning from the date of departure from their inbound countries. These measures do not apply to some Pacific countries such as: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Tokelau, Wallis and Futuna.
  • Recent travelers from these Pacific countries and territories do not have to self-isolate, but if they develop any COVID-19 symptoms within 14 days of leaving those locations they are to contact Healthline 0800 358 5453.
  • Cruise ships are banned from entering New Zealand’s territorial waters from now through June 30. This ban does not apply to cruise ships that were in New Zealand waters prior to its implementation.

Analysis & Comments: The New Zealand government will review the new restrictions in 16 days. Employers should account for affected travelers and rearrange travel schedules accordingly. Significant delays may also occur at this time for consular and in-country processing.Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that visa processing delays are expected following the closure of its Beijing visa processing office.

What does the change mean? INZ is transferring incoming visa applications from its Beijing office to other offices and has relocated immigration officers who normally work on Essential Skills visas to assist in processing visitor and student visa applications. As a result, INZ expects that this will increase the overall visa processing times of Essential Skills Work Visa applications.

  • Implementation time frame: Ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: Visitor visas, student visas, and Essential Skills visas.
  • Who is affected: Foreign nationals applying for New Zealand visas, particularly Essential Skills Work Visas.
  • Business impact: Employers may face delays moving foreign nationals to New Zealand.

Background: The Beijing office, which processes roughly 10,000 applications weekly, closed temporarily on Jan. 24 amid coronavirus concerns. The closure resulted in a reduction of 130 immigration officers who process visas.

Analysis & Comments: Although INZ has assigned 50 immigration officers who normally work on Essential Skills visas to process visitor and student visas from the Beijing office, they are currently facing a two-week backlog of over 13,000 applications. Essential Skills visa applications are currently taking 10 days to be allocated to an officer for processing, but could take up to six weeks, depending on developments in the coming weeks. Employers must be prepared to be flexible with employee schedules and start dates for employees who are affected by travel restrictions and delays. Deloitte will alert clients to additional changes or restrictions as information becomes available.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The government has banned entry for all foreign nationals traveling from, or transiting through, mainland China.

What does the change mean? Residents of mainland China, as well as foreign nationals who have traveled in or transited through mainland China since Feb. 2, are barred from entering New Zealand.

Implementation time frame: The restrictions took effect Feb. 2 and will remain in effect until they are lifted by the New Zealand government.

  • Visas/permits affected: Visitor visas, work visas, visa waivers.
  • Who is affected: Foreign nationals who have spent any time in mainland China since Feb. 2. The entry ban does not apply to New Zealand citizens, New Zealand residents or their immediate family. These individuals will be allowed to enter New Zealand, but will be required to self-isolate for 14 days upon arriving back in the country.
  • Business impact: Employers of foreign national employees traveling from or by way of mainland China may experience delays affecting employee mobility.
  • Next steps: Employers should anticipate further restrictions regarding travel from mainland China.

Analysis & Comments: The government has suspended entry for all foreign nationals traveling from or transiting through mainland China since Feb. 2. Further, it has temporarily closed the Immigration New Zealand office in Beijing. Employers should expect significant mobility delays for employees and business visitors coming from or via mainland China. The response to the coronavirus continues to evolve, and Deloitte will alert clients to additional changes or restrictions as information becomes available.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? New Zealand is poised to increase income thresholds for Skilled Migrant Resident Visas and Essential Skills Work Visas.

What does the change mean? The salary thresholds will increase by 2% across the board on Feb. 24. The exact amounts vary depending on the type of visa, job category and skill level, as detailed below.

  • Implementation time frame: Feb. 24, 2020.
  • Visas/permits affected: Skilled Migrant Resident Visas, Essential Skills Work Visas.
  • Who is affected: Companies sponsoring foreign nationals on a Skilled Migrant Resident Visa or Essential Skills Work Visa.
  • Next steps: Immigration New Zealand anticipates it will adjust salary thresholds again in November 2020.

Additional information: The new thresholds are based on the country’s median salary of NZ$25.50 per hour or NZ$53,040 per year for a 40-hour work week.


Skilled Migrant Resident Visas (all figures in New Zealand dollars):

Skill Level Current threshold Threshold as of Feb. 24
Skilled employment in an occupation at ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3 $25 or more per hour ($52,000 per year) $25.50 or more per hour ($53,040 per year)
Skilled employment in an occupation at ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5 $37.50 or more per hour ($78,000 per year) $38.25 or more per hour ($79,560 per year)*
Pay rate to claim bonus points in an application $50 or more per hour ($104,000 per year) $51.00 or more per hour ($106,080 per year)

* Some occupations at ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5 are treated as an exception. From Feb. 24, the threshold for skilled employment for these occupations will be $25.50 per hour ($53,040 per year) or above

Essential Skills Work Visas (all figures in New Zealand dollars):

Skill Level Current threshold Threshold as of Feb. 24
Mid-skilled employment in an occupation at ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3 $21.25 or more per hour ($44,200 per year) $21.68 or more per hour ($45,094 per year)
Higher-skilled employment, including occupations at ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5 $37.50 or more per hour ($78,000 per year). $38.25 or more per hour ($79,560 per year)
Lower-skilled employment ANZSCO skills levels 1 to 5 $21.24 or less per hour ($44,179 per year) $21.67 or less per hour ($45,074 per year)
Lower-skilled employment at ANZSCO Levels 4 and 5 $37.49 or less per hour ($77,979 per year) $38.24 or less per hour ($79,539 per year)

Analysis & Comments: Employers should budget for the increase as needed. The new income thresholds affect only applications received by Immigration New Zealand on or after Feb. 24. The changes do not affect current visa holders or (1) Essential Skills Work Visa applications received before Feb. 24 or (2) Skilled Migrant Residence Visas for which the Expression of Interest has been selected before Feb. 24.

Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.