Government reassures New Zealand work visa holders over job cuts
April 09 2009 by Robbie Ragless
Unions and the New Zealand immigration department have been busy reassuring foreigners living in New Zealand on skilled and temporary work permits, that they will not be sent home as a result of the recession.
Dennis Maga from Migrante Aotearoa, which represents migrant workers says, "we have been receiving emails and phone calls from migrant workers who are truly worried because they think they can no longer renew their work permit.”
These fears have come about as immigrants
grow increasingly concerned about losing their jobs in favour of New
Zealand citizens.
In a move that was intended to allay these fears, New Zealand immigration minister,
Jonathan Coleman, stated, “there has been no change of policy under
this Government regarding renewal of temporary work permits.”
He added that New Zealanders would not be given preference over foreign
workers when jobs are cut. “Any foreign worker who is here on a
temporary work permit has the right to work while that permit remains
valid. There has been no suggestion by this government that foreign
workers should be sacked ahead of New Zealanders in situations where
the foreign workers have valid, current permits,” said Coleman.
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