Kiwi businesses are crying out for international talent, yet the war for global talent is more competitive than ever.
Did you know that New Zealand’s new AEWV visa programme has a unique component that elevates the attractiveness of roles in Aotearoa ahead of other countries?
I’ve been designing and running settlement programmes for Kiwi businesses recruiting offshore for 7 years and it’s so exciting to see our clients enthusiastically adopting Immigration New Zealand’s new mandatory settlement support baseline.
The government’s compulsory requirement for employers to provide settlement information for AEWV holders might seem like an administrative burden.
But put yourself in the shoes of an offshore candidate, and it looks quite different.
A potential migrant or expat will see a Kiwi employer who cares enough about their wellbeing to provide the information and connections they, and their family, need to settle successfully in New Zealand.
It’s Manaakitanga in action - the process of showing respect, generosity and care for others.
While other countries promise amazing new lives to international talent, New Zealand employers now take action to make it actually happen.
Why does this matter to candidates?
Imagine arriving in New Zealand for the first time, and having to set up a whole new life.
You’d want to focus on getting to grips with your new job.
But you’re also dealing with an overwhelming range of life admin … Finding a rental property. Getting kids into school. Understanding where to buy the food you like. Connecting with your ethnic or religious community.
Relocating countries can be as stressful as a major illness, according to the Holmes and Rahe Stress Inventory Scale.
Anything employers do to smooth the way will positively impact the wellbeing, and job performance, of new international employees.
What is settlement support?
As part of the AEWV accreditation, all employers must now provide visa-holders with information on everything from housing to opening a bank account to the cost of living.
The result? Your valuable international talent can find exactly what they need to know to get set up in NZ quickly and efficiently.
This is now the new minimum level of support that all migrants and expats on AWEV visas will receive.
How do recruiters amplify this benefit?
In a time of escalating salaries, businesses are on the look-out for relevant benefits to offer international talent.
Settlement support meets this criteria.
It doesn’t affect base salary but targets the unique requirements of candidates relocating to New Zealand.
Here’s how we see our canny international recruitment clients utilising the settlement support benefit:
Package into your EVP - Present settlement support as a high-profile and integral component of your employment offers.
Align with Wellbeing Strategy - List settlement support as part of your business’s wellbeing programme to show that you understand the specific needs and concerns of people moving to a new country for a new role.
Target family - You’ll find that offering settlement support resonates strongly with partners and spouses - research by Netexpat and EY shows that spouse and and family issues are the main reasons why employees decide against taking an offshore role.
Trump competitors - A professional settlement support offering elevates your business above other employers in your industry. Many Kiwi employers are already using our cost-efficient online Settlement Support Portal that saves you time, work, and ensures you remain AEWV compliant.
Would you like to join them? Book a demo today or contact our Principal, Bridget Romanes, for more information.
If you are a recruiter or HR Professional bringing international talent to NZ Mobile Relocation has a range of settlement support services to suit your candidates and your business - from baseline support to meet Immigration New Zealand’s AEWV Accreditation requirements through to personalised programmes to support your most valued international employees.