The centrepiece of Labour’s immigration reset gets the boot

Migrants on an accredited employer work visa currently have to be paid at least $29.66 per hour, while the adult minimum wage rate is $23.15. (Image: Getty)

Jem Traylen

Wed, 15 Jan 2025

Employers have welcomed the axing of the much-maligned median wage rule for work visas, but unions say it leaves a vacuum that could lead to migrant exploitation.Just before Christmas, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford announced an overhaul of the accredited employer work visa (AEWV) – the centrepiece of Labour’s 2022 immigration reset.Topping the list of the reforms, which take effect in March, is ditching the requirement that AEWV holders be paid at least the median wage.Blunt instrumentThe theory behind Labour’s policy wa...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

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

You can cancel anytime.

We are serious about journalism.

Already a Subscriber ? Sign in here.

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].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

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 }}