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Labour Hire Companies - What the Employer Accreditation Scheme Means for You

04 November 2020
Update as of 7 April 2022: 
  • INZ released further updates on the fee and estimated processing timeframes for the 3 steps to hiring a migrant on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Find out here!
Update as of 22 March 2022:
  • INZ released further updates on the accreditation and job check steps. Please see them here.



With the introduction of the new employer accreditation scheme coming mid 2021, labour hire companies will be treated differently to the rest, as they are deemed to present a higher risk of immigration non-compliance. In an effort to simplify immigration for our Labour hire employers and partners, we have highlighted below some critical changes that are being introduced under the new scheme.

At present, only labour hire companies that support migrants wanting to work in the Canterbury construction sector must be accredited. But following the impending changes, all labour hire companies will be required to undergo a specific form of accreditation. These companies will not be able to support visas if not accredited by Immigration NZ.

Once the new accreditation scheme takes effect next year, labour hire employers would be required to meet the same standards as high-volume employers but would be subject to more robust verification, including site visits. The accreditation will be granted for 12 months at a time and renewed annually.

Labour Hire companies would also need to demonstrate that they will only contract foreign workers to other compliant businesses. Labour Hire companies will be obligated, as part of their accreditation process and ongoing compliance, to ensure that any companies they hire out their migrant workers to, also have good workplace practices. 

If you would like to better understand how the above could impact you,
reach out to us for a complimentary consultation.

Immigration simplified

Providing professional immigration advice and support for over 14 years. Aims Global is an agile team of licensed immigration advisers and experts who are skilled advocates for our clients and are always at the forefront of policy changes.

Our mission is to help our clients achieve their goals through simplifying the complex immigration process. We are experts in understanding your needs so we can fulfil your purpose, whether you’re an employer, employee, student, or family.

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