Can I offer a job to a worker from overseas?
Employers can offer a job to a worker from overseas, provided you comply with all relevant employment and immigration laws in force in New Zealand. This includes:
- paying employees no less than the appropriate statutory minimum wage or other contracted industry standard; and
- meeting holiday and special leave requirements or other minimum statutory criteria, e.g. health and safety obligations; and
- only employing people who have authority to work in New Zealand; and
- living and running a business in New Zealand lawfully yourself
This list is not exhaustive, so for further information refer to the Employer section of our website:
Complying with immigration and employment law
However, before your employee can commence work, they must obtain a work or resident visa.
What if the worker from overseas is already in New Zealand?
The same information applies as above, although the process for obtaining a work visa may be slightly different.