The New Zealand government will be making changes to the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, to make it easier for foreign nationals to work.
Clayton Cosgrove, the minister for immigration, announced that changes will be made to make things easier for foreign nationals working seasonally in the horticultural industry. Pre-departure information will be improved, while workers will be able to change employers if they choose to. Employers will also be obliged to provide evidence of payment.
Mr Cosgrove said: "The uptake of RSE has exceeded expectations. It has received strong support from employers who have been able to meet labour needs in industries that have previously experienced routine shortages."
The scheme currently allows 5,000 foreign nationals to work on a seasonal basis, and has accepted just under 4,650 this year. The government says that programme has been approached with enthusiasm by local employers.
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