New Zealand meeting will discuss rights of work visa holders
April 06 2009 by Ajay Hasija
The rights of temporary work visa holders are to be discussed in a public meeting held by immigration advocates in New Zealand. The meeting is being held in response to news that the number of New Zealand work visas granted may be cut due to the recession.
The New Zealand immigration minister, Dr Jonathan Coleman, says that as the recession continues to lead to job cuts work visas need to be granted to fill genuine skills shortages only. He states, “at a time of growing unemployment, immigration and labour authorities must be vigilant in ensuring that temporary work permits are only issued to address genuine skills shortages."
In response, immigration advocates are concerned that the rights of temporary work visa holders are being abused. Migrant workers, union representatives and immigration advocates are holding a public meeting on 7 April, at Trades Hall, to discuss the issues.
The meeting is being organised by Dennis Maga, who heads migrant worker union, Migrante Aotearoa. He says temporary work permit holders are ‘worried sick’ that their permits could be revoked or that they could be made redundant over local workers.
As well as migrant workers themselves, Laila Harre from the National Distribution Union will be in attendance, along with Mike Treen from Global Peace and Justice and John Minto from Unite Union.
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