Employing workers through the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme
Horticulture or viticulture employers can recruit workers from eligible Pacific countries through the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.
Note
The Government has announced upcoming changes to the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme following a review of how the scheme operates. The changes will be introduced in stages, with implementation beginning from early 2027.
Changes announced to the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme
-
Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme and Agreement to Recruit
If you are a horticulture or viticulture employer, you must apply for Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme status and an Agreement to Recruit (ATR) before you can recruit workers from eligible Pacific countries.
-
Applying and reapplying for Recognised Seasonal Employer status: process
You must have Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) status before you can apply for an Agreement to Recruit (ATR).
-
Applying for an Agreement to Recruit: process
Once you have Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) status, you can apply for an Agreement to Recruit (ATR). If that is approved, you can start to recruit RSE workers.
-
Recruiting and hiring Recognised Seasonal Employer workers: process
Understand the process to recruit and hire Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers under the RSE scheme.
-
Recognised Seasonal Employer forms and
Forms and guides for horticulture and viticulture employers in the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme.