The last twelve months have been especially hard for New Zealand’s migrant workforce. Many have spent this time in a state of limbo, either here or offshore, waiting without certainty of when they will be reunited with their loved ones. Their limbo results from the New Zealand Government’s current immigration policy settings. The current settings have either frozen their visas or restricted their ability to find secure pathways to residency for themselves and their families.
New Zealand’s migrant workforce is made up of workers across various sectors of the economy, from hospitality, tourism, agriculture, to health. This includes front line workers, nurses and other essential health care support workers who have sacrificed a great deal to help protect New Zealand against the global pandemic. Despite these significant efforts, the government has failed to take the time to listen to their concerns. Furthermore, Labour’s proposed immigration reset will be implemented this year, despite current processing times being excruciatingly slow due to the longest waiting lists for residence cases ever seen in the nation’s history.
This begs the question, is this the New Zealand way of treating people in a time of need? Or is this poor leadership from the Labour Government, who is riding a wave of popularity and not caring for the people who helped get them there?
The pressure is mounting on the government for answers and direction. Throughout May, peaceful protests have been held throughout the country to draw attention to New Zealand’s broken immigration system. Thousands have joined these marches to support migrant workers and their families, who are trying to find clarification for their future. One of these events was held in Wellington on the steps of Parliament House on Thursday 13 May. The event was attended by National MP Erica Stanford, who continues to speak out in support of migrant workers. Stanford is urging the government to immediately review the current situation while calling for an equal and humane system for all workers in New Zealand. Migrant community representatives also shared numerous heartfelt and compelling statements about navigating the ongoing challenges and impact of this uncertainty for themselves and their families. Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi also attended the event and provided a short statement reinforcing the need for the government’s strict border restrictions.
The harmful impact of New Zealand’s current immigration policies is not limited to our migrant workforce. Mounting labour shortages across multiple sectors and rapidly increasing business costs means that New Zealand’s small businesses also feel the pain. Many scrambling to find employees to fill roles traditionally filled by migrants to keep their doors open. Things look equally concerning in the long term, with the risk of skilled migrant workers choosing to leave New Zealand and take their valuable skills and experience elsewhere. Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom are just a few examples of countries that offer more clarity and security for their migrant workforce.
Meanwhile, the pressure for answers and clearer immigration pathways for New Zealand’s migrant workforce continues to build. But with so much at stake for so many, will our government take the necessary steps to stand up and provide the certainty and support at this time of need?
