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New Zealand to give more visas for temporary seasonal workers

Seasonal work visa of New Zealand is in immense demand and worldwide famous. There is a day by day increase in labor demand in the country. The immigration minister has realized this need and announced a new policy on a recognized seasonal work visa. 

“Ian Lees-Galloway announces increases in the number of temporary visas in the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme by the next 2 years to 16,000 overall”. 

The so-called increase in the number of allowed workers on the seasonal visa will be 1550 to 14,400 for 2019/20 and if approval has also been given for the cap to be raised then it will increase by a further 1,600 places to 16,000 in 2020/21.

Seasonal visa of New Zealand allows foreigners to stay in the country for up to a maximum of 7 months inside 11 months time. Families are not allowed to be sponsored. Workers must leave the country once the visa expires. 

One must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid job offer from a recognized seasonal work employer of New Zealand.

What sectors are included in this category?

New Zealand currently accepts the applications for fruit and vegetable sectors doing jobs for the following sectors:

  • harvesting
  • packing.
  • planting
  • maintaining crops

General conditions of the visa

The interested seasonal workers must make sure that they:

  • are 18 years of age minimum
  • have got a written and signed job contract from a recognized employer of New Zealand
  • have good character (proof required such as police certificate)
  • good health (by providing chest x-ray and HIV test reports)
  • able to speak English
  • have a valid medical insurance
  • cannot sponsor their family members such as the spouse of children on this visa
  • you cannot switch to other visa categories
  • cannot study on this visa

Check here the recognized employers of New Zealand for seasonal work visa jobs

Know your employment agreement rights here

Learn more about the visa process and fees