Are you a New Zealand employer looking to hire top international talent? One way to gain a competitive edge in the job market is by obtaining employer accreditation.
Employer accreditation is a process by which New Zealand employers demonstrate that they meet certain standards set by the government in order to hire foreign workers. This includes meeting requirements for pay and working conditions, providing a safe and healthy work environment, and making an effort to recruit New Zealand citizens or permanent residents before hiring foreign workers. The accreditation process is administered by the New Zealand government through Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
Access to top talent: By becoming an accredited employer, you will have access to a wider pool of highly-skilled international workers, who may not be available to non-accredited employers. This allows you to tap into a global talent pool and find the best candidates for your business, regardless of their location.
Faster processing times: Accredited employers can offer jobs to foreign workers with fewer restrictions and a faster processing time, giving you an edge over non-accredited employers in the hiring process. This allows you to fill positions quickly and keep your business running smoothly.
Positive reputation: Being an accredited employer can enhance your company's reputation as a responsible and professional business, making it more attractive to top talent. This can help you attract the best candidates and build a strong brand.
Compliance with regulations: Accreditation ensures that your business is compliant with New Zealand's immigration regulations and can avoid any potential legal issues. This can save you time and money in the long run, by avoiding costly fines and penalties.
Cost-effective: Accreditation can save you money in the long run, as it eliminates the need for constant recruitment and training of new staff. By hiring top talent from the start, you can reduce turnover and increase productivity.
Determine if you are eligible: To be eligible for accreditation, employers must be able to demonstrate that they have a genuine need for the foreign worker, and that the worker will be employed in a role that cannot be filled by a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. This can be done by providing information about your business and the role that you are looking to fill.
Gather necessary documentation: Employers must also be able to provide evidence of their ability to comply with the requirements of the accreditation process, such as providing information about the company, including financial statements and any relevant licenses. This can include things like your business registration, tax ID, and any relevant certifications or licenses.
Apply for accreditation: Submit your application and supporting documentation to Immigration New Zealand (INZ). The application process can be done online and typically takes several weeks to process.
Wait for decision: INZ will review the application and make a decision on the accreditation. If your application is approved, you will receive an accreditation certificate that is valid for two years.
Maintain accreditation: Once accredited, employers must meet ongoing compliance requirements, such as keeping accurate records of foreign worker's hours and pay, and notifying INZ of any changes to the business. This is an important step to keep your accreditation valid and ensure that you continue to meet the standards set by the government.
In conclusion, employer accreditation in New Zealand can provide a significant competitive advantage for businesses looking to hire top international talent. It allows employers to tap into a global talent pool and find the best candidates for their business, regardless of their location. Accreditation also allows faster processing times, a positive reputation, compliance with regulations and cost-effectiveness.
Additionally, it is important to note that obtaining employer accreditation is not only beneficial for the employer but also for the foreign worker. Accredited employers are required to provide fair pay and working conditions, and a safe and healthy work environment. This ensures that the foreign worker is protected and treated fairly while working in New Zealand.
It is also worth noting that obtaining accreditation is not a one-time process, but rather an ongoing effort. Employers must meet ongoing compliance requirements, such as keeping accurate records of foreign worker's hours and pay, and notifying INZ of any changes to the business. This ensures that the employer continues to meet the standards set by the government.
Employer accreditation in New Zealand is a valuable tool for employers looking to hire top international talent. It can provide a significant competitive advantage, allowing access to a wider pool of highly-skilled workers, faster processing times, a positive reputation, compliance with regulations and cost-effectiveness. Employers should determine their eligibility, gather the necessary documentation and apply for accreditation to gain this advantage.
