Bar set too high for new work visas, says industry

Sectors such as hospitality and aged care say the new visa requirement will worsen an existing workforce crisis (Image: Getty Images)

Jem Traylen

Wed, 20 Apr 2022

Sectors including hospitality and aged care are voicing grave concerns over a new work visa rule which will require migrant workers to be paid at least the median wage.They say they are already experiencing a workforce crisis and want the government to create a transition plan for the new immigration settings.From July 4, most work visas will be replaced by the accredited employer work visa (AEWV) which will require applicants to be paid at or above the median wage of $27.76 per hour, almost 31% more than the minimum wage which of $21.20. On a...

Unlock all stories free for 10 days

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

We won’t charge for 10 days. You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call. Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].interval) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

You will be charged in 10 days unless you cancel beforehand.
We will remind you three times before charging you.
All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

Markets Market close

NZ sharemarket celebrates highest single-day rise in over five months

Graham Skellern 6:15pm

Politics

Media react to Melissa Lee sacking

The sector is keen to work with new minister Paul Goldsmith amid its financial crisis.

Daniel Dunkley 5:10pm

Politics

Govt reshuffle: Lee demoted, Simmonds loses portfolio

Melissa Lee has been stripped of her media and communications portfolio and dropped from the cabinet, prime minister Christopher Luxon announced today.He has given Paul Goldsmith the portfolio after Lee was widely criticised over her public handling of the numerous issues facing...

Staff reporters 1:20pm