Immigration news update for APAC and EMEA regions
Asia-Pacific
New Zealand: Increase of the median wage
Immigration New Zealand have now confirmed that the median wage will be increasing from February 2024, in line with the Statistics NZ data released in August. The median wage will be increasing by 6.6% from the current rate of $29.66 per hour, to the new rate of $31.61 per hour in February 2024. This means that to be eligible to apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa from February onward applicants will need to be paid at least $31.61 per hour, unless there is a sector agreement in place. The increase will be reflected across the various wage thresholds which are indexed to the median wage, including the Green List and also the Skilled Migrant Residence Category.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Immigration New Zealand
Qualifications Exempt from Assessment Review
Given the increasing reliance on recognized qualifications for both the Green List and now the new Skilled Migrant categories, it is clear the International Qualification Assessment (IQA) system as it stands would create an even more significant backlog. As a welcome update, the New Zealand Government has advised that they will be updating the list of qualifications exempt from NZQA assessment. The addition of further recognized qualifications will take place in several phases, with the first to align with the release to the Skilled Migrant Visa changes coming into effect on the October 9, 2023.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Immigration New Zealand
Job Check application
Immigration New Zealand are applying more scrutiny to Job Checks submitted for more than one vacancy in the same application. Whilst in the past these were processed in the same manner as a Job Check for a single position, these types of applications are taking a lot longer to process. The recommendation moving forward is to provide the following additional supporting documentation to show that these are genuine vacancies:
- organisation charts (showing the vacant positions)
- contracts for ongoing work
- details on the employer migrant settlement support – This can be provided in the ‘further evidence’ section of the Job Check application.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Immigration New Zealand
Philippines: Changes to the visa documentation
As of September 7, 2023, the government of the Philippines has introduced changes to the visa documentation required by Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). As a result, the affidavit of the Understudy Training Program (UTP) or the Skills Development Program (SDP) shall no longer be required as a prerequisite to secure a PEZA visa. Foreign nationals who apply to downgrade their PEZA visa (for example due to change of their job title or position under the dame employer), will be exempt from the Order to Leave requirements. Lastly, the letter of request to the Director General’s office is no longer needed to proceed with the renewal visa application (filed less than 30 days prior to visa expiry).
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Philippine Economic Zone Authority
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Debra Beynon (Regional Immigration Manager, APAC).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Czech Republic: Update on medical insurance for foreigners
With effect from September 20, 2023, it is possible for non-EU citizens applying for a long-term visa or long-term stay to arrange travel and health insurance from any insurance company authorised to operate in the Czech Republic. Previously it was mandatory to obtain the insurance from the insurer VZP. The limit of the amount of indemnity for one insured accident has increased to at least 400 000 EUR instead of 60 000 EUR.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the FRS.GOV.CZ
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration) or Sabrina Crespo (Team Lead, EMEA).Â
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