Critical workers entering New Zealand under Covid-19

The Government has announced 60 places in MIQ for construction workers, and a Time-Sensitive Allocation option for all workers

Current exception process

A one-page guide for building and construction employers is available that outlines the steps their critical workers currently need to follow before travelling to New Zealand – including attaining a managed isolation voucher and providing evidence of a negative COVID-19 test.

View and download the guide.

Group allocations

In addition to the current border exception process, from June to October 2021, 60 places have been made available per month in managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) facilities solely for construction workers on critical work visas under the group allocation category.

The Government's decision was informed by sector feedback facilitated through the Accord. This is a great news for the sector as it recognises the importance of construction in New Zealand’s COVID-19 response. This will provide an alternative pathway through the Managed Isolation Allocation System (MIAS) where critical workers have been unable to secure a place over the June-October 2021 period.

Discussions between industry-leads, the Accord and government agencies are in progress and we will confirm how employers can apply for the MIQ places and the criteria that applications will be assessed against to determine how the 60 places will be allocated. A further update with more details of this process will be provided in the next week.

Information on the group allocation process and criteria.

Time sensitive allocation

MIQ officials have announced on 10th May a new MIQ time-sensitive allocation category. Any employer who has less than 10 employees with a critical worker visa can apply for if they meet the criteria. Portfolio agencies will be required to endorse the sectors time-sensitive allocation requests.

Information on the process and criteria(external link) - miq.govt.nz.

It is important to note that very few time-sensitive allocation requests will be granted, so we encourage travellers to book in early through MIAS as it is the most effective way to guarantee a place.

Last updated: 10 May 2021