Treaties and International Law

International Treaties List as at January 2012

Employment

72. Working Holiday Schemes (WHS)

WHS bilateral Agreements enable young New Zealanders to obtain a working holiday visa in a variety of countries. The reciprocal Agreements also further people-to-people links. The following Agreements are currently under negotiation or awaiting formal steps:

Asia

• Vietnam: Negotiations are underway. Draft texts were exchanged in May 2011.

Europe:

• Austria: Negotiations are under way. Draft texts were exchanged in May 2011.
• Czech Republic: The agreement was signed in November 2010 and will enter into force following completion of domestic processes.
• Denmark: Negotiations for amendments to the current agreement are underway. Draft texts were exchanged in April 2011.
• Germany: Negotiations for amendments to the current arrangement are underway. Draft texts were exchanged in January 2011.
• Hungary: The agreement was signed in June 2011 and will enter into force following completion of domestic processes.
• Lithuania: Negotiations are underway. Draft texts were exchanged in August 2010.
• Netherlands: Negotiations are underway. Draft texts were exchanged in May 2011.
• Slovak Republic: The agreement was signed in June 2011 and will enter into force following completion of domestic processes.

Latin America

• Argentina: The agreement is expected to enter into force in July 2011.
• Chile: The agreement is expected to enter into force in July 2011.
• Uruguay: The agreement is expected to enter into force in July 2011.

Middle East and Africa

• Israel: The arrangement is expected to come into effect in November 2011.
• Turkey: The arrangement is expected to enter into force in July 2011.

Lead agencies:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Department of Labour

Legislation required:

No.

Contacts:

Daniel Eyre
Legal Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Email: daniel.eyre@mfat.govt.nz
Ph: (04) 439 8547
Fax (04) 439 8103

Pierce Lane
Economic Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Email: pierce.lane@mfat.govt.nz
Ph: (04) 439 8343
Fax: (04) 439 8545

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86. Dependants Employment Agreements (DEA)

A central concern for successful Foreign Service assignments is ensuring the welfare of partners and dependants, and in particular employment opportunities for accompanying dependants. In many of the countries where staff are assigned, local legislative and immigration requirements pose problems for dependants who want to work. Dependants’ employment agreements (or arrangements) are required if these hurdles are to be overcome.

• Italy: An Agreement was signed in December 2003. New Zealand procedures are complete. The Agreement will enter into force when the Italian domestic procedures are complete.

Lead agency:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Legislation required:

No.

Contact:

Nicola Leslie
Legal Adviser
Legal Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Email: nicola.leslie@mfat.govt.nz
Ph: (04) 439 8547
Fax: (04) 439 8103

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