New Zealand has introduced new rules for migrant workers who want to change jobs under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). The Immigration Department updated the job change process to strengthen worker protection and ensure that only safe and compliant employers can hire migrants. These changes took effect on 17 November 2025 and aim to stop exploitation while still allowing easy job transfers inside connected businesses.
Under the updated system, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) now has the power to pause a migrant’s job change application if the employer involved has serious issues. An application may be paused if the employer’s accreditation was revoked in the last 12 months, if the employer is being investigated for immigration breaches, or if there is credible evidence that the employer has poor labour practices or has been involved in migrant exploitation. INZ said these steps help protect vulnerable workers from unsafe job conditions.
If an application is paused, INZ will not continue processing it until the employer’s accreditation decision is confirmed. If accreditation is refused or revoked after investigation, the job change request will be declined. This ensures that migrants are not moved into risky or illegal workplaces. INZ described these powers as exceptional and said they will only be used in cases where there are real concerns about an employer’s behaviour.
According to INZ, most employers who follow the rules will not experience delays. They stressed that the new rules are designed to target only those who may put migrant workers at risk. “Most employers do the right thing, and their applications will continue as usual. These changes give us flexibility to investigate when we have concerns and protect migrants from exploitation,” the department said. The overall goal is to keep the visa system fair while preventing harm to workers.
The process applies only to job transfers that happen because of company changes, such as a business sale, a merger, or a restructure involving connected businesses. It does not apply to workers moving to employers who are not linked. This means that only employers who are part of the same business group can use the simplified transfer system under AEWV.
What should employers do to avoid delays under the new rules?
Employers must apply early for accreditation after a business sale or restructure and maintain strong employment standards to prevent their accreditation from being paused. Good record-keeping, fair treatment of workers, and following immigration rules will help ensure smooth processing.
The New Zealand government said that genuine employers will not be affected by the updates, and legitimate business transfers will continue without problems. These changes are intended to make the system safer for migrant workers while giving businesses a clear process to follow after corporate changes. New Zealand aims to balance worker safety with business stability while preventing exploitation in the job market.