Media release: FIRST Union
Saturday June 15, 2013

Changes to migrant worker protections needed

A union for migrant workers says it will look forward to scrutinising the detail of changes to migrant worker protections signaled late this week by the government.

Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse told a select committee on Thursday that the government is drafting new measures to protect migrant workers against exploitation.

The measures under consideration include increased sanctions against employers. Michael Woodhouse said changes would also seek to offer better protection to migrants even if they are working beyond the terms of their visas.

Dennis Maga, coordinator of UNEMIG, the migrant workers section of FIRST Union, said protecting the immigration status of migrant workers who speak out against abuse was critical.

“Immigration New Zealand needs to be able to exercise greater compassion to migrant workers who are willing to expose the bad practices of their employers but who fear for their ability to remain in New Zealand.”

“These workers will need the protection of an open visa, rather than a visa tied strictly to their employment offer, when that employment is shown to be exploitative.”

"Migrant workers, and especially temporary migrant workers, are vulnerable to exploitation by employers and often have limited knowledge of their rights.”

“We would welcome strengthening of the law around this area. But enforcement is also a critical issue, and the number of labour inspectors also must be increased from current low levels,” Dennis Maga said.

Ends.

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