New Zealand introduces new seasonal visa schemes to address labour shortages

 

 

New Zealand has introduced two new visa categories under the Accredited Employer Work Visa to address labour shortages during seasonal peaks. The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) are being introduced to address labour shortages in various sectors. The visas will be available from December 8 this year.

These visas are designed to allow approved employers to hire short-term workers in industries such as agriculture, horticulture, tourism and food processing. The government says the move will help fill urgent skills gaps while ensuring that immigration rules are transparent and consistent.

GWSV:

The GWSV is aimed at skilled seasonal workers. The visa is valid for up to three years. To qualify, applicants must have worked in a relevant seasonal role for at least three seasons in the last six years.

PSV:

The PSV is designed for entry-level or lower-skilled seasonal work. It is a visa valid for up to seven months. Applicants must have at least one season of experience in the last five years. They must also have comprehensive health insurance. This visa does not require English language proficiency.