The New Zealand Government-funded Migrant Exploitation Protection Visa Short-term Support Package providing temporary financial relief to exploited migrant workers is coming to the end of its approved term. The Support Package is due to end on 18 March 2024, after which there will be no further financial support available from Immigration New Zealand (INZ) or through the third-party provider (NFACT).
The MEPV is a special visa that people can apply for if, while on an employer-supported work visa, they report a case of migrant exploitation to Employment New Zealand, and their case is supported.
An MEPV allows the holder to search for another job for 6 months or until the expiry date of their current work visa (whichever is lesser).
The MEPV lasts for 6 months, after which the holder must transfer to a new visa if they want to remain in New Zealand. While on an MEPV they can work anywhere in New Zealand for any employer.
MEPV holders will still be able to work in New Zealand if their MEPV remains valid. MEPV holders have been informed about their MEPV conditions and the necessary steps they need to take to lawfully remain in New Zealand.
In September 2023, the Government announced changes to the immigration system to increase protection and support for migrant workers. This new financial support was declared to be run until March 2024. The help Package is due to conclude on March 18, 2024, after which there will be no further financial help available.
Under the Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa (MEPV), there is financial support available for people to help pay for accommodation and living expenses for a limited time while they search for a job that allows them to stay in New Zealand. The support provided depended on the needs of each migrant and was different depending on their situation.
The financial support is available to people on MEPVs who are not currently in employment.
The payment will continue until they either:
- Find work while on their MEPV
- Reach expiry of their MEPV
- Find work on a different visa such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
- Leave New Zealand.
Accommodation and living costs were benchmarked on the Jobseeker Support Benefit entitlement (approximately $50 per person a day), which could be topped up to $100 per person per day depending on the need, job seeker assistance.
As part of the support announced for MEPV holders, migrants will be able to apply for a second MEPV, giving them more time to search for a job. The second visa is for up to 6 months or until the expiry of their original work visa, whichever is the lesser. It is also possible to transition between visas.