We are aware that employers will have significant immigration-related concerns in light of the COVID-19 Economic Response Package the Government has announced.

The feedback we have received so far is that common questions are around:

·         whether visa rules can be relaxed such as work hours, visa expiry dates and alternative work for temporary work visa holders; 

·         the impact on visa holders of potential redundancies; 

·         if employers are expected to cover costs of isolation periods; 

·         migrant workers who may be unable to return home due to border closures.

We are currently providing advice to Ministers on the issues being raised and we will update you as information comes to hand.

Immigration New Zealand’s Manila office was closed yesterday because the COVID-19 situation in the Philippines has changed. This office has 31 staff who usually process applications including Essential Skills, Specific Purpose and Partnership work visa applications. We are now reallocating these applications across the network as soon as possible.