The centrepiece of Labour’s immigration reset gets the boot

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
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...

More Policy

Investor visa policy to be announced
Policy

Investor visa policy to be announced

Major players in venture capital field hope incentives will remain.

Jem Traylen 07 Feb 2025
Pros and cons of a corporate tax cut
Economy

Pros and cons of a corporate tax cut

Business groups are keen for a cut; others doubt its impact and feasibility.

Pattrick Smellie 05 Feb 2025
Sidestepping inevitable Waitangi politics, and more ...
Policy Business of Government

Sidestepping inevitable Waitangi politics, and more ...

Our weekly roundup of public sector news and analysis.

Jem Traylen 05 Feb 2025
Unscrambling EGS investment in Trump's world
Finance

David Chaplin: Unscrambling EGS investment in Trump's world

The US rush from ESG investments labels is well under way.

David Chaplin 05 Feb 2025