By Gurbir Singh:
New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is leading an in-depth policy and operational review to better understand temporary migrant worker exploitation and identify impactful and enduring solutions.
Immigration and Workplace Relations and Safety Minister, Iain Lees-Galloway, made the announcement today while speaking at the Biennial Conference for First Union, which also announced a Work Passport for Migrant Workers guide.
“Migrant exploitation takes many forms, including workers not getting paid properly, working excessive hours or in unsafe conditions. Crucially, far too many migrant workers do not feel empowered to speak up or seek help when they are being subjected to unfair conditions.
“To help develop ways to stop this exploitation, I’ve directed the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to undertake in-depth research on temporary migrant worker exploitation in New Zealand,” the Minister said.
“While migrants bring the skills we need to grow our economy, many migrant workers, especially those on temporary and student visas, are particularly vulnerable to exploitation.
“Auckland UniServices will work with MBIE on this important work. Conducting research through a third party provides an independent and confidential space to hear from migrant and international student groups, unions and businesses.
“The Government will engage with representatives of migrants, businesses, workers, academics and international students to provide independent perspectives and to test ideas.
“This is a thorough review, and will take time. I expect to make decisions in 2019. In the meantime, MBIE will continue to take action against those who exploit migrants,”Iain Lees-Galloway.
– from NewsViews
