30 Aug 2023

Migrant worker advocates: Open visa the 'right thing to do'

From Nine To Noon, 9:40 am on 30 August 2023

Advocates for migrant workers who have been turned around at the border, or told not to travel here because they're at risk of exploitation, say they should instead be given open visas.

 Ten migrants have been turned around upon arrival in New Zealand, and up to 200 others warned not to come because they're caught up in visa scams - paying thousands of dollars for jobs that don't exist.

A handful of employers are being investigated by Immigration New Zealand over the mistreatment of 115 migrant workers from India and Bangladesh.

Last week Immigration Minister Andrew Little said the Public Service Commission would review the accredited employer visa scheme following whistleblower claims that checks on employers weren't being made.

Anu Kaloti, Migrant Workers Association President, says the right thing to do now would be to allow those affected workers who'd already been granted visas to be given an open visa instead, that doesn't tie them to any one employer.

Many workers are sleeping on the floor.

Many workers are sleeping on the floor. Photo: RNZ / Blessen Tom