COVID-19 and migrant worker employees – FAQs for employers

Lane Neave share some frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about COVID-19 and migrant worker employees and their responses...

Q: We have an employee on an interim visa, are we able to claim the Government wage subsidy for them?

You can claim the wage subsidy for employees who are legally employed by you.  This means that for holders of valid work visas you can claim the wage subsidy.  However, the position may be different in relation to employees currently on an interim visa.

In some instances, interim visas will only provide the holder with visitor visa conditions, meaning they are not entitled to work.  It will therefore be very important to understand the type of interim visa conditions your employee has.  In general terms, if the visa now being applied for is for a different visa category, different job role or different location than the previous visa held, then visitor visa conditions will apply.  If your employee holds an interim visa with visitor conditions, our advice is that you should not claim the wage subsidy for them.

Read all the FAQs and responses...

^{Note - the information shared does not constitute legal advice. HRNZ encourages members to seek legal advice where necessary about their specific circumstances.}