NZ First Proposes Scraping AEWV for New 'Shortage-Led' Skilled Work Visa

New Zealand First has announced plans to replace the current Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) with a new

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New Zealand First has unveiled a proposal to replace the existing Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) with a new

The party's rationale underscores a commitment to address migrant exploitation and ensure that work visas genuinely reflect existing skills shortages. This aligns with earlier statements by New Zealand First to focus on genuine skill shortages and take serious action against migrant exploitation. They view the current AEWV system as having become a

Key policy changes proposed include limiting access to genuine shortages, ending routine retail access for migrant workers, and restoring a proper wage floor. Employers would also be required to demonstrate real domestic recruitment efforts and face strengthened accreditation criteria with targeted enforcement. The policy aims to protect workers without rewarding non-compliant sponsors.

For Filipino migrants and employers, these changes could significantly alter pathways to working in New Zealand. The emphasis on proving genuine shortages and domestic recruitment means employers would need to rigorously justify the need for overseas workers, while prospective migrants might find opportunities concentrated in highly specialised fields or specific regions with critical labour gaps.