Building Recruitment director and Building Today columnist Kevin Everett’s Building Today May article was based around the new accreditation process for employing migrant workers. His company has just completed that process, and finally gained EAWV Accreditation. Here he explains just what was involved . . .
EAWV accreditation is the only way companies can employ a migrant worker, even those who are currently in New Zealand and who are just needing a variation to their current visa.
As a labour hire firm, we had to go through possibly a different process than other employers. We also had to pay $3860, and our accreditation only lasts for one year, although others are valid for two years.
How was the process?
Most of the documentation we had to supply was around Health & Safety, exploitation, ensuring our clients only employed migrants for what their visa allowed, and working for a credible company.
I have to say, it was easier than the previous process with regards to the documentation required. Well, I thought it was, but I’ll come back to that later.
The questions asked were strangely worded and needed some explanation. There was no help option available on the site or contact phone number to ask for assistance.
It took me a while to find the phone number for the EAWV contacts as the only number on the site was for general visa enquiries, which didn’t have any option for this process.
This caused some frustration. To help you all out here is the number if you need specific EAWV advice — 050 896 7569. Trust me, you will need this.
When I finally got through to someone at this number, the lady was very pleasant and accommodating, but had very little knowledge of the process or questions.
I was continually placed on hold while she tried to find someone to help her. Again, frustrating, but we got there in the end.
What information was required?
As a labour hire business we had to supply various procedures, which included how we check for companies who are on the Department of Labour company stand down list.
Why? Because under this new accreditation we are not allowed to supply workers to companies who are on this stand down list.
What was interesting is, as a labour hire business, we are not allowed to supply labour to any business that is on the above list. We can supply New Zealand workers to these companies without any problem, but not migrant workers. How does that work?
So when you are asked the question about being on the stand down list, or are in the process of being investigated by the Department of Labour, please understand it is now a requirement of all EAWV-accredited labour hire firms.
I suggest you ensure all your HR and H&S documentation is fully up to date to satisfy their requirements.
How long did the approval take?
I was pleasantly surprised. They said 10 working days and it took 11 days. I wish consents and CCCs were this punctual.
Now, let’s go back to the part where I said it was easier than expected. Just wait until you try the Job Check process! As you would have read in my previous column, I am not a fan of this.
In the past, if you were accredited, you could employ based on your needs. Now we are being taxed $610 to conduct a Job Check, with approval taking 10 working days.
This process was painful. Again, the questions were poorly written and, in one section, had some duplication.
It gave us an option regarding employees working in multiple regions. There was no information on whether we needed to run multiple job adverts or not. I spoke again to the contact centre and, again, they didn’t know either.
Trouble with this is, if you do it incorrectly and it is declined, you are up for more charges and time delays.
When I finally got an answer, I was told it would be based on the discretion of the immigration advisor when they review the application.
Let’s hope we get them on a good day I suppose.
In our case, we have clients who do interior fit-outs and have national contracts. So they can build a team for Auckland that needs to go to the Waikato region.
Those on the EAWV visas cannot work in the Waikato as that goes against their visa conditions.
So they would need to apply for every region they work in.
If you are a company located in Papakura, South Auckland, but you do work from time to time in North Waikato which is closer to you than Manukau, then you need to apply for multiple regions.
When I asked what if they decline the Job Check due to me listing every location in New Zealand due to my clients having short-term projects around the country from time to time, I was told I need to do separate applications.
But I am not employing anyone for these regions. These workers will all be based in Auckland. They had no answer to this. So let’s hope they approve it.
I suggest if you do work outside of your region from time to time ensure you select this option to save some issues later.
Documents required:
Ensure you have up-to-date employment contracts and detailed job descriptions as this will be required (talk with fellow Building Today columnist Leigh Olsen at Tradie HR).
What you are asked for:
• Employment contract
• Job description
• Proof of advertising
• Application number breakdowns – how many applied? How many were from New Zealand and overseas, and how many New Zealand residents/citizens were suitable for the role?
• Specific details on your advertisements, such as wages, hours, description of job location, and skills required.
There are also a number of questions about deductions, additional earnings and allowances that need to be completed.
Actual Job Check process time?
I would love to be able to tell you. Sadly, at the time of writing, they have an issue on their site that has prevented me from completing the Job Check.
I have been delayed close to two working weeks to answer a Yes or No question. There is an error box appearing and I cannot continue my application.
I have contacted their support team three times, given screen shots to them of the error, and still this has not been fixed. This will result in further delays in getting approval, and without approval I cannot offer anyone a job.
I am sure it will improve over time, and I hope you have better luck.
Hopefully the above account of my own experience will help your journey through the process.
