2018-Mar 23: Variation of Conditions – Declared Labour Shortage across Hawke’s Bay – further extension

Visa Pak 349 - Further extension of the declared labour shortage across the Hawke's Bay region.

Visa Paks

23 March 2018

Variation of Conditions – Declared Labour Shortage across Hawke’s Bay – further extension

It was previously announced that Immigration New Zealand (INZ) may approve a variation of conditions (VOC) for holders of visitor visas for a maximum duration of six weeks to undertake seasonal work in any region where the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) has declared a seasonal labour shortage.

The MSD East Coast Regional Commissioner made a further announcement that the declared labour shortage across the Hawke’s Bay region has now been extended from 12 March to 29 April 2018.

Process

In addition to following the process outlined in last week’s advice to staff, please also note the following:

It has also been confirmed that a VOC can be granted for up to six weeks as long as the VOC application is accepted before the end of the labour shortage period.

E3.26.5 states that the applicant may be granted a VOC provided the applicant has not been granted a VOC for this purpose since their most recent entry to New Zealand. If an applicant has already been granted a VOC to allow them to undertake seasonal work as part of the initial declared labour shortage in the Hawkes Bay Immigration Officers should consider granting a further VOC as an exception to instructions.