Cabinet Blocks Minister's Proposal to Scrap RSE Worker Limits

New Zealand's Immigration Minister Erica Stanford sought to eliminate annual caps on Pacific migrant workers within the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, a move that documents reveal was ultimately shelved by Cabinet. Stanford had argued that removing the limits would streamline administration for RSE employers and increase the flow of remittances to Pacific countries.

“

On balance, I consider this risk low and able to be mitigated.

Stanford's office indicated the proposal was considered but set aside before a recent announcement of other technical changes to the RSE scheme, such as improved visa options and extended employer participation for good conduct. The decision minutes reportedly omitted any resolution on the proposal, suggesting it did not progress beyond committee discussions.

While Stanford's office contended that an uncapped scheme would lead to only a "manageable" increase in workers, it acknowledged a potential risk of further displacing New Zealand workers. However, the proposal stated, "On balance, I consider this risk low and able to be mitigated." Officials were expected to monitor RSE volumes to identify any need to reinstate caps.

“

Fruit doesn't wait around for forms to be processed. When it's ready to pick, growers need workers in the orchard.

The horticulture industry has previously expressed frustration with the RSE cap allocation process, deeming it unfair and complex. Documents also noted that Pacific partners had varied reactions to the proposal, though none voiced strong objections to removing the cap. Employers, meanwhile, often view their available accommodation as a de facto limit on worker numbers, and the proposal suggested they prioritize local workers, who still constitute the majority of the horticulture workforce.

“

The government has listened to growers who have been saying the RSE scheme has become too hard to use.