NZ Govt will reform Work Visas to protect immigrant workers

New Zealand Government is altering the Work Visas to safeguard the rights of immigrant workers in the nation. Iain Lees-Galloway the Immigration Minister of New Zealand has said that the changes are aimed at curbing the exploitation of overseas students.

The proposed changes to Work Visas were announced last week. The requirement for Post-Study Work Visas to be sponsored by specific employers will be eliminated. This clause had resulted in exploitation of few immigrant workers in New Zealand.

The immigrant workers’ freedom of speech had been curbed owing to fear of losing jobs. It would also endanger their rights to work and live in New Zealand, as quoted by the Stuff Co NZ.

Unite Union, Migrant Workers Association and other groups had demanded that the Government must do away with the clause binding employees to employers. This would give the immigrant workers the freedom to obtain a suitable job. It would also empower them to report any abuse or exploitation.

Immigration Minister of New Zealand said that work experience in the nation is crucial for many overseas students. The proposed changes will retain the work rights while curbing possibilities of exploitation, he added.

Lees-Galloway said that many cases have been reported wherein immigrant workers were subject to abuse. This was because they are reliant on a specific employer to remain in New Zealand, he added.

The duration of Work Visas post-study for courses below bachelor’s degree will be restricted to one year. Students who complete a course that is less than 2 years of duration would not be qualified for the Work Visa after studies. Graduates would be qualified to submit an application for other visas upon completion of their course.

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