The Government has announced new immigration measures for the hospitality and tourism sectors that are set to alleviate recruitment stress for employers and move New Zealand to a “higher wage economy”.
The qualification requirement for chefs to be hired through an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) has been removed, and the tourism and hospitality median wage exception has been extended for another year.
Immigration Minister Michael Wood said the Government has been listening to the concerns of the hospitality and tourism sectors and is working with them to take practical steps to support them with these challenges where they can.
“We agree with the hospitality industry that removing the qualification requirement for chefs to be hired through an AEWV will allow those top-rated chefs who have trained at the coalface to come to NZ. This will take effect from 18 October,” Wood said.
“The requirement for chefs to hold a New Zealand Certificate of Cookery (Level 4) or equivalent qualification was introduced to reduce risks of wage and job inflation in these roles.
“We have heard the industry's concerns that this requirement was limiting their options to recruit chefs who do not hold formal qualifications, including some highly skilled or experienced chefs, at a time when labour market conditions are tight.”
Instead, employers hiring chefs will now only be required to meet the median wage and market rate requirement, which Wood said will allow employers to recruit from a larger pool of migrant chefs.
In April 2023, employers will be able to pay migrant workers in these roles on an AEWV 95 percent of the median wage, or $28.18ph. This will then increase to 100 percent of the median wage in April 2024.
