Temporary employment entry / working holiday schemes

In conjunction with the ASEAN FTA negotiations, but not as part of FTA itself, New Zealand has also made some limited arrangements of less than treaty status on temporary employment entry and reached an understanding to enter into negotiations on reciprocal working holiday schemes, also of less than treaty status.

Temporary employment entry

The temporary employment entry arrangements are for a limited number of skilled workers from the Philippines and Viet Nam. Although involving only very limited numbers (see below), these arrangements may assist in easing labour shortages in, for example, nursing and engineering.

The specific numbers are:

The Philippines:

• 100 registered nurses [1]
• 20 farm managers.
• 20 engineering professionals.

Viet Nam:

• 100 chefs.
• 100 engineering professionals.

These are new arrangements and only apply to the countries specified. They provide for individuals to enter as employees for up to three years (less if the employment agreement is for a shorter duration).

The effect of these arrangements is that (within the caps set out above) workers in those specified occupations can enter New Zealand without labour market testing, even if labour market testing is otherwise required in any of the specified sectors generally. Where there are existing qualifications and / work experience requirements for any of the specified occupations, workers from those countries and in those specified occupations will continue to be able to enter provided they have the qualifications and work experience specified in the arrangements. This will continue to apply even if the qualifications or work experience requirements are amended for workers from other source countries. The requirement that such workers hold a bona fide job offer is intended to protect employment opportunities and conditions for New Zealanders.

Employers and applicants will continue to need to meet standard immigration policy. Among other things, this requires a bona fide job offer (including market rates and terms and conditions, as well as proof that the business can afford to sustain the position), evidence that the applicant is qualified through qualifications and/or work experience to carry out the job, and evidence that health professionals will be able to meet relevant registration requirements. Standard health and character requirements would also be mandatory.

Working holiday schemes

The understanding to enter into negotiations on reciprocal working holiday schemes similarly relate to the Philippines and Viet Nam. Once negotiated, it is expected that the schemes would provide for a maximum of 100 entrants from each country per annum.

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[1] Applicants need not be in the Philippines at the time they apply for a visa, and may work in New Zealand for up to three months while seeking to meet registration requirements.back to top