Employer reviewing a document

Employer accreditation: get ready for documentation audits

The Accredited Employer Work Visa is invaluable for NZ employers that have been grappling with on-going skills shortages. Under the employer-led framework, organisations must first gain accredited employer status from Immigration New Zealand. The intention being that only reputable employers that can demonstrate financial stability and that have good workplace practices and process can hire migrant workers.

Employer accreditation: documentation audits have been announced

Thus far, the employer accreditation application process has been declaration based; organisations were not required to supply supporting documentation. However, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has recently announced it will be undertaking post-accreditation documentation audits to verify employers’ compliance with the accreditation requirements.

What will an accreditation documentation audit look for?

The purpose of the documentation audit is to ensure employers are financially sustainable; provide settlement information and support to migrant workers; ensure that migrant workers complete the online modules from Employment New Zealand in time; and have professional and legally sound HR processes, procedures, and documentation in place.

What are the likely consequences for employers who don’t have adequate documentation?

Accreditation suspension may occur if an organisation is unable to furnish the required documentation during an audit’s investigation process. Such a situation would be disruptive, and cause instability for both employers and migrant workers.

It is strongly advices that you proactively gather all the essential documentation now, should an audit occur. That will help to circumvent any potential disruptions to your business operations.

ConsultingHQ can assist you with employer accreditation documentation

ConsultingHQ has years of experience in creating supporting HR documentation that complies with both Immigration New Zealand rules, as well as NZ employment law and business standards.

ConsultingHQ can also work with our in-house immigration advisers, VisaAide, who are able to submit your documentation on your behalf.

Contact us for help with your HR and accreditation documentation.

Contact us to find out how we can help your business.