Taking helper home to NZ?

We would love to help our helper move to NZ.


Aside from being invaluable to us she also has a degree in Horticulture.


We would be really keen to talk with anyone who has investigated or been successful with this, or even knows anyone who has done it.

Hi beancurd


Thanks so much for your reply.


It would be fabulous if I could learn more about your friend and/or her employer, are they still in NZ?


Yes, chemists would have no problem being granted visas as the government has Chemists listed under the Migrant entry scheme, great news for them.


I rang immigration today however sadly I have to confess HK immigration is a somewhat easier to deal with, and I didnot learn so much.

Perhaps you could also ask on the following forum:


http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/

http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/directory/all/expat-associations-general-info/consulates/

Thanks for the feedback,


Yes beancurd, it was NZ immigration I rang, my comment (sadly) was highlighting that experiences with HK immigration are more helpful and easier to deal with than NZ immigration, NZ is notoriously difficult in that area.


Thanks Ed

I would recommend emailing the immigration people in NZ on the website and telling them your story they will be able to tell you of the chances . They will reply and where very helpful when i had reason to contact them in the past.

Hi Team NZ


I've heard a bout a Canadian family who managed to get their helper a Canadian visa but I think they had to prove they coud pay her minimum wage.

Let me know it goes as we would like to do the same when we move back

Not difficult for Canada as they have a caregivers programme

Be aware of your legal obligations....neighbor took helper to Oz for moving period and the helper disappeared within the country. As the employer bringing in an employee be knowledgeable on financial and legal responsibilities.

I am a Kiwi and am aware that imigration to NZ is tough.

NZ does want migrants to increase it's population and assist with it's economic growth. However as mentioned by Travelwell 72 you must prove that she is not taking away a job that a NZ citizen can not do. And sadly I would imagine that "helpers" would not be classified under the skill migrant category as there are plenty of kiwi's who have "helper" type skills.


Now that economic times are tougher I would imagine that lower skilled migrants would be less favourable to NZ imigration policy.?


You mentioned that your helper has a degree in Horticulture, if she came to NZ and was sponsored by an employee in that role then her chances are probably alot higher. The process I would imagine would be difficult but possible. If again, her/his skills were needed in NZ.


I also understand that all immigrants do have to go through, or prove their health status before being granted visas. They are looking for things like TB, AIDs or other chronic illnesses that would be a burden to NZ's health system. The process again, I am unsure.


If you are successful:

One of the first issues you will have to consider is can you pay your helper minimum NZ wages while working with you and supply her with an employment contract that proctects her/him and you the employeer and that follow NZ law (holiday pay, working conditions, ACC etc).


Sorry I can't be more helpful. I think it will be tough, but if he/she finds work in NZ in Horticulture then she may have a chance.


Good Luck