Government’s new policy could force migrant workers underground
A manager from the Queenstown Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has expressed concern over the impact of a recent government policy change on migrant workers and their families.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford recently announced that migrants on six-month migrant exploitation protection work visas (MEPVs) expiring on or before November 30 will no longer be eligible for a six-month extension.
David Dewhurst, a local CAB adviser, believes that this sudden policy change will have devastating effects on the lives of affected migrants and their families, pushing them further into vulnerability and uncertainty.
According to Dewhurst, the previous ability to extend exploitation visas by six months provided a lifeline for these individuals to seek new employment with accredited employers and improve their financial situations.
He argues that the government’s decision to remove this lifeline could exacerbate exploitation and force migrant workers into the shadows.
Dewhurst also highlights the mental health repercussions of this policy change, noting that many clients have already expressed severe distress due to past exploitation and the uncertainty caused by this new development.
He criticizes the government for not directly communicating with affected migrants, leaving many unaware of their changing eligibility status and facing imminent departure from New Zealand.
As Queenstown prepares for its peak season, the loss of valuable workers could have a significant impact on the local community and economy.
Minister’s perspective
In response to concerns raised about the policy change, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford emphasizes the government’s commitment to combatting migrant exploitation.
She argues that the duration of MEPVs must strike a balance between providing enough time for migrants to find suitable employment and avoiding financial vulnerability.
Stanford believes that six months is a reasonable timeframe for migrants to secure employment with accredited employers and transition out of exploitative situations.
She assures that Immigration New Zealand has communicated the changes to relevant stakeholders and provided a transitional period to adjust to the new policy.
While the government’s intention is to address exploitation, the impact of this policy shift on migrant workers remains a point of contention.
