Fast track employment of specialist foreign nationals by becoming an accredited employer –but get in quick

Immigration New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Scheme is a simplified process which permits employers to hire limited numbers of foreign employees for skilled and specialist roles. A big advantage of the scheme is that an Accredited Employer wishing to employ a foreign employee does not have to meet the Labour Market Test. This means that they do not have to prove there are no New Zealanders available for the work.

The scheme and its advantages have been in the news recently, and some reservations have been expressed that it makes it too easy to employ foreign employees.

It would be a mistake to assume that the scheme will continue indefinitely in its present form, and the government is reported to be contemplating a review to ensure the scheme remains appropriate.

We suggest that employers who may wish to avail themselves of the benefits of becoming an Accredited Employer should move promptly to apply for accreditation. Our Immigration Team is available to provide further information and assist with preparing and lodging applications for accreditation.

For more information contact john.steel@gibsonsheat.com or phone 04 916 7495.