Frequently asked questions:

Recruiting overseas workers

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the recruitment process when recruiting overseas workers.

RecruitNZ works with our partners at People Inc to provide a seamless process when you’re recruiting overseas workers.

Together we can help with employer accreditation, recruitment and selection, trade testing, job checks, as well as visa and immigration assistance with the Accredited Employer Work Visa.

How to bring workers from overseas?

There are various steps to follow when recruiting overseas workers. Here’s an overview:

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As an international recruitment agency, RecruitNZ is able to provide a seamless end-to-end service by working with our People Inc partners, ConsultingHQ and VisaAide. You’ll have one contact point throughout, to make the process easy and straightforward for you.

How long does the international recruitment process take?

Recruiting overseas workers who are currently in the Philippines takes around 12 weeks from start to finish.

However, it’s often the case that we’ve already recruited for a specific skill and have more suitable applicants than we can find jobs for. These applicants will already have been screened and interviewed – so this can shorten the process. 

Here are the skilled workers currently available who are registered with us.

We have a very thorough process that is ethical and full of care. The visa being issued is generally one of our longest delays, which we cannot control.

What are the costs involved in recruiting overseas workers?

The cost of recruiting overseas workers is similar to recruiting NZ Residents, which is around $8,500. Plus there will be the added cost of employer accreditation, job checks, and work visas.

If you’re recruiting Filipinos there are the additional DMW (Philippines Department of Migrant Workers) costs and settlement support. Recruiting more than one skilled worker does reduce these costs on a per-candidate basis.

Can I get firm costs for a tendering process?

Yes, we can provide you with a quote. We can’t, however, guarantee that the workers will get visas approved. The requirement for employers to advertise within 

New Zealand and to take every step possible to find New Zealand Residents for the position is a consideration.

What kind of pre-employment checks are possible when recruiting overseas workers?

Trade testing is important when recruiting from overseas, and we can arrange trade testing for you with recognised assessors. Read more about trade testing.

All of an applicant’s employment is verified, to ensure their work history is legitimate, and reference checking is also completed.

Can I employ migrants for short-term or casual hours?

You may employ seasonal workers in some industries, in accordance with the skill shortage list for the duration of the season. However, RecruitNZ specialises in permanent workers who are employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

Are you able to handle the working visa application?

Yes – our People Inc partner, VisaAide, is a licensed immigration specialist with expertise in visa applications for both Australia and New Zealand.

What kind of roles does RecruitNZ recruit for?

RecruitNZ specialises in recruiting permanent roles in the construction and manufacturing industries, but can recruit any role required, in a number of other industries.

We already have pre-approved applicants registered with us – take a look at the current skilled migrants who are available to work.

Does RecruitNZ also handle non-migrant recruitment?

Yes. We have a full team of recruitment consultants for both permanent local recruitment and international recruitment. We also have a partner company, ConsultingHQ, that specialises in strategic HR.

Why do Filipinos want to work in NZ?

New Zealand has a reputation amongst Filipinos for being friendly, respectful and kind. NZ is also seen as having beautiful landscapes and good working conditions. Working in NZ carries a lot of pride in the Philippines, and it is seen as one of the top places in the world to work.

How much will I have to pay a Filipino worker?

Immigration NZ requires employers to pay migrant workers the median wage unless other policies apply. Nonetheless, it should be the going market rate for the position. INZ ensure the worker is paid fairly in comparison to other workers in your business and not more than the market rate.

What if I want my worker to be able to work in different locations?

Please contact VisaAide for advice, as this will be related to their visa type and accompanying conditions.

Why do I need to pay for the flights?

This is part of the agreement between the Philippines and New Zealand governments. Most Filipinos do not have the funds to purchase flights to or from NZ.

What are my responsibilities when landing a Filipino worker?

You will be expected to greet them at the airport; ensure they have a method to get to work each day; help them finalise their NZ bank account and IRD number; complete their induction; and check in with them as time goes by to ensure they are coping with the job and with being away from home. It can be a big adjustment coming to New Zealand, so the more you assist at the beginning the more quickly they will become productive.

For AEWV holders, you need to allow them time to complete the Employment New Zealand online modules within one month of beginning their employment. The employee modules help migrants learn about their employee rights and avoid potential disagreements.

Read more about pastoral care requirements for Filipino workers.

"Our Concrete Company engaged the services of Recruit NZ to help us find some Filipino concrete contractors to join our busy company. We have been extremely happy with the process that Recruit NZ has in place and we felt fully informed of what was happening the whole way through this journey. It is not a quick process and we could not have done this without a company like Recruit NZ on board to sort out all the legal requirements needed to employ someone from the Philippines. We are also thankful for the ongoing support we have had from Recruit NZ in helping out with the transition for the Filipino guys into our business. We would recommend this process to anyone looking to employ someone from the Philippines as we are more than happy with our 2 new workers. We are now looking to employ a few more candidates in the near future to help us grow our company.”


Jodie Wallen Wallen Concreting

Do you need help with recruiting overseas workers?

We can help you with all aspects of international recruitment – contact us for advice.

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