RIGHT TO WORK - IMMIGRATION STATUS/APPROPRIATE VISA

All New Zealand employers are required to check with potential employees that they have a proper work permit or visa  allowing them the right to work in New Zealand.

To be eligible for lawful employment in New Zealand or Australia workers from overseas need to meet a number of general conditions, such as being in good health and having a good character. While they are working here, they must meet any conditions specified in their permit and only stay here for the time allowed.

Changes to the Immigration Amendment Bill places responsibility on the employers to ensure that the candidate has the correct working visa before employing them.

The "reasonable excuse" provision in the law that previously meant that employers were not held liable if they unwittingly employed someone without a valid work visa has been removed. Employing someone who is not entitled to work may incur a fine of up to $50,000, so the onus is on you as an employer to check.