ATR requirements for RSE employers
As an employer you agree to these requirements when you apply for an Agreement to Recruit (ATR).
Note
Improvements were made to the RSE scheme on 2 September 2024. Learn more about what these changes mean for RSE employers and workers.
There are requirements in the Agreement to Recruit (ATR). When you sign your ATR application you agree to:
- site visits to decide on your application or monitor compliance
- us confirming your compliance with employment, health and safety, and immigration laws by contacting government organisations, unions, agencies and industry bodies
- keep your RSE status up-to-date
- try to recruit New Zealanders for any positions before hiring from overseas
- list your available positions with Work and Income before applying for an ATR
- make sure any contractor working with your RSE workers also has good workplace practices
- give us details, if we ask, of any payments to you from RSE workers (including payments for airfares, accommodation and other pastoral care)
RSE worker voluntary deductions - provide as part of any joint ATR a completed Joint Agreement Check form, if requested by the Labour Inspectorate
- only use recruitment agents who will not charge your RSE worker
- set up a support package ready for when your worker arrives — this is called 'pastoral care'
Pastoral care for RSE workers - arrange somewhere for your workers to live — check if restrictions apply to you because of the region you are in
Providing accommodation for RSE workers - support your worker's visa application
Support your worker's RSE Limited Visa application - tell us as soon as possible if you suspend or dismiss an RSE worker
- pay to us any repatriation costs
Pay repatriation costs to send RSE workers back home - pay for half of your worker's return airfare between New Zealand and their country of residence, and transport them to the airport. For your:
- Kiribati worker, half their return airfare is between New Zealand and Nadi
- Tuvaluan worker, half the return airfare is between New Zealand and Fiji.
- let us know the expected departure dates for your RSE workers once you have booked outward flights for them
- ensure your RSE worker has full-time work while in New Zealand on their RSE Limited Visa either with you or in a joint ATR
- provide us with a copy of the employment agreement you will offer RSE workers, showing the required information.
Minimum requirements for an RSE worker employment agreement