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Interesting article today about new application processes for temporary work permits.
Agreement Helps Tourism, Hospitality Keep Skilled Workers
New Zealand’s tourism and hospitality sectors are welcoming a move to a more streamlined application process for holders of temporary work permits.
Immigration New Zealand and Work and Income have agreed on a more effective process to assist employers and employees when applying for a further temporary work permit. It sets out a step by step guide that begins three months before the applicant’s permit expires.Employers will work closely with Work and Income throughout the application process to ensure priority is given to suitably qualified and experienced New Zealanders.
Immigration New Zealand has committed to advise the applicant whether their temporary work permit application will be approved or declined at least 30 days before their current permit expires. This gives them and their employer as much certainty as possible in advance of the permit expiring.
“Many New Zealand tourism jobs require a unique skill set and it can be difficult to fill vacancies after work permits expire,” says Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) Chief Executive Tim Cossar. “This can create real pressure for some employers.”
New Zealand Hotel Council (NZHC) Chair Jennie Langley says “a number of skilled professions are still in short supply in many regions and New Zealanders aren’t always available or don’t have suitable skills to fill these jobs.”
In some areas temporary overseas workers are crucial to New Zealand’s multi-billion dollar tourism and hospitality sectors, particularly during peak season. Many of the available jobs are in areas with low unemployment or where there are no New Zealanders with suitable skills, even as unemployment is increasing.
