Immigration Rules Relaxed Again For Supermarket Employees
From 20 August 2021 to 31 December 2023 (inclusive) Immigration New Zealand have relaxed restrictions for supermarket employees who hold work, student or interim visas* provided that they were employed by a supermarket on the day immediately prior to the applicable region entering Alert Level 3 or 4.
The effect of these changes allow:
- work visa holders to work in roles other than specified on their visa; and
- student visa holders to work more than 20 hours per week.
During this period work and student visa holders can complete any tasks associated with the supply of goods to, from, or within a supermarket.
In these circumstances Immigration New Zealand defines a supermarket as being limited to retailers selling primarily food and groceries, who are affiliated with Woolworths New Zealand Limited – owners of Countdown, Super Value and FreshChoice supermarkets; Foodstuffs North Island Limited or Foodstuffs South Island Limited – owners of New World, Pak n Save and Four Square.
If a visa holder’s employer does not meet this definition of supermarket they will not be entitled to rely on the temporary relaxation of restrictions.
*The above includes interim visa holders if they held a temporary work or student visa immediately prior to holding an interim visa.
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Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is of a general nature and is not intended as legal advice. It is important that you seek legal advice that is specific to your circumstances.
