What happens after the interim period?
The INZ has now released its internal circular which sets out more detail of the interim VOC measures (see our blog written on 16 April 2020). Workers cannot change regions, but can change employers or occupations (not both).
However, the INZ states the following: “The duration of the variation of conditions is limited to six weeks after New Zealand first moves to Level 2 of the COVID-19 Alert System. This means that the ability of employers to move migrant workers between roles, or employ them for more than would normally be allowed will end when recruitment of New Zealanders becomes possible under fewer restrictions on recruitment and movement of New Zealanders.”
This is of concern to us, especially where employees have moved employers and are therefore vulnerable to delays in processing of work visas or variations of conditions – as the VOC would end just 6 weeks after level 2 is introduced. We are following this up with Immigration New Zealand as a matter of urgency.
In the meantime our advice is to continue submitting traditional work visas or variation of conditions for the new dairy season even if you apply for the interim VOC measures.
Contact us if you have any questions or concerns or wish to submit an interim VOC.
Vanessa Sharratt
Director and Licensed Immigration Adviser