A major shakeup to the New Zealand Temporary Work Visa category is quickly approaching and employers and employees need to be ready.

Immigration New Zealand have confirmed that they plan to introduce a new Accredited Employer Work Visa effective from 1st November 2021. This new visa will replace 6 different existing work visas. Their intention is to streamline the work visa category and to ensure that employers are using migrant workers to fill genuine and high skill needs.

The following work visas will be replaced on November 1st 2021:
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• Essential Skills Work Visa
• Essential Skills Work Visa — approved in principle
• Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa
• Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa
• Silver Fern Job Search Visa (closed 7 October 2019)
• Silver Fern Practical Experience Visa.

If you are an employer who currently employs migrant workers or intends to employ migrant workers in the future, then you must now apply for accreditation to do so. Employers will be able to apply for accreditation from the 1st September ready for the November 1st start date.

If you are an employer and need help applying for accreditation, or you are an employee and are not sure how the changes will impact you then make an appointment today to speak to one of our licensed immigration advisers.

                                               Click here to book an appointment today.

From 17 May, you can travel between New Zealand and the Cook Islands without having to go into managed isolation or self-isolation when you arrive. This is called quarantine-free travel.

Anyone in New Zealand can travel quarantine-free to the Cook Islands, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria and immigration requirements.

You can visit each country for any length of time and you do not need to stay for 14 days before you return.

You can travel to the outer islands after you arrive in Rarotonga. You do not need to self-isolate in Rarotonga before you continue your journey to the outer islands.

Quarantine-free travel between New Zealand and the Cook Islands does not include Australia. You must spend 14 full days in New Zealand before you can continue your journey through to the Cook Islands or Australia.

Quarantine-free travel is available on commercial aircraft only.

source: ​https://covid19.govt.nz/travel-and-the-border/quarantine-free-travel/quarantine-free-travel-with-the-cook-islands/travel-from-nz-to-the-cook-islands/