14 August 2024
The New Zealand Government has significantly changed the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme. These changes help the horticulture and viticulture industries by ensuring they can access a reliable and skilled workforce during busy seasons.
Increase in RSE Cap
For the 2024-2025 season, the Government has raised the cap on RSE workers to 20,750, which is 1,250 more than the previous season’s season’s limit of 19,500. This decision was made after receiving feedback from RSE employers and aims to support expected growth in the wine and kiwifruit industries. The new cap also takes into account the availability of accommodation for workers.
Key Changes
- Work Hours: Employers can now average a 30-hour workweek over four weeks. This helps manage work fluctuations due to weather and other factors.
- Wages: RSE workers returning for their third season or more must be paid at least NZD 25.47 per hour, 10% above the minimum wage. All other workers will continue to receive at least the minimum wage.
- Accommodation Costs: The freeze on increasing accommodation costs has been lifted. Employers can now raise rent and utility costs for RSE workers by up to 15% or NZD 15.00, whichever is lower, for 12 months. This applies only to agreements signed after 2 September 2024.
- Visa Flexibility: RSE workers will now be eligible for multi-entry visas, which will allow them to leave and return to New Zealand during a season for important events back home.
- Training and Skills: RSE workers can now participate in training and skill development that isn’t directly related to their job, with more flexibility in how and where this training happens.
- HIV Screening: RSE workers will no longer need to undergo HIV screening, bringing the RSE visa requirements into line with those of other visa categories.
- Mobility: The time allowed for RSE workers to move between employers and regions has been extended from 14 to 21 days, offering more flexibility.
- Inclusion of Timor-Leste: Timor-Leste will be added to the RSE scheme. However, more work is needed to set up the necessary systems before recruitment can begin.
Impact on Employers
These changes are implemented to make it easier and less costly for employers to comply with regulations while ensuring they have a reliable workforce. Key benefits include:
- More workers are available to meet seasonal demands.
- Greater flexibility in managing work hours.
- Updated accommodation cost guidelines.
Impact on Workers
RSE workers will see several benefits, including the potential for higher earnings, more freedom to travel, and greater job security through increased flexibility.
When These Changes Take Effect
Most of these changes will start on 2 September 2024. Later in the year, the Government will continue working on further improvements to the RSE scheme.
What Employers Need to Do
RSE employers should review these changes and prepare for them. Different actions may be needed depending on where they are in the Agreement to Recruit (ATR) process. Employers who have already submitted or received ATR approval before 2 September 2024 must follow the existing policy unless they update their agreements according to the new policy.
Employers are encouraged to use the correct application forms, conduct annual accommodation self-audits, and ensure all documentation is clear and accurate to avoid delays in processing ATRs and RSE Limited Work Visas.
These updates demonstrate the Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting the growth of New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture industries while ensuring the welfare of RSE workers.
For more detailed information on the new visa costs and changes, visit the official Immigration New Zealand website.
Stay informed with ICL Immigration News for the latest updates on immigration policies and visa changes.
Reference
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