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Immigration: Gov't website "misled migrants"
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levi
Joined: 16 Oct 2006 Posts: 1110 Location: Auckland Central, New Zealand
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Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2009 10:09 am Post subject: Immigration: Gov't website "misled migrants" |
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Govt website claims 'mislead migrants'
4:00AM Tuesday Jun 23, 2009
By Lincoln Tan
Related links:
* newzealandnow.govt.nz
The Government is being criticised for claims on a migration website that unemployment is at an "all-time low" despite large numbers of migrants losing their jobs in the ongoing recession.
The Migrant Action Trust has called for a meeting with Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman to highlight concerns about employment pressures.
It has highlighted a website maintained by his department, newzealandnow.govt.nz, which tells readers that "unemployment in New Zealand is at an all-time low - meaning there are jobs aplenty and across most sectors".
Agnes Granada, the trust's spokeswoman, said: "It is totally irresponsible for Immigration to sell false hope by telling would-be migrants there are plenty of jobs and give them the impression that New Zealand is not affected by the global crisis."
The website continues: "If you are starting your career, New Zealand may give you a jump start, if you are a self-starter, that skill is valued here, and if you bring management experience, your ability will be of great value to the economy."
Unemployment in the March quarter was 5 per cent, up from a six-year low of 3.5 per cent in December 2007. The figure is low in comparison to double-digit figures in the United States, some European countries and many developing nations.
Several groups representing migrants have in recent months highlighted migrants who have trouble renewing temporary work visas as an increasing number of New Zealand citizens enter the job market. Others who lose their jobs lose their right to remain in the country.
A report by Christchurch-based Skilled Migrant Information and Resource Centre (SMIRC) said the lack of an effective plan to tackle problems arising from these workers' inability to find jobs could result in huge costs to government and businesses.
Bevan Chuang, the Department of Labour's settlement support co-ordinator, said she had an increase in overseas inquiries during the recession because many "thought New Zealand was not affected by the economic crisis".
Last year, 170,000 skilled workers contributed $8.8 billion to the economy - equivalent to New Zealand's entire income from international tourism, the SMIRC report said.
"This is just the beginning of what we stand to lose if action is not taken soon," spokesman Mike Bell said.
"The workers were brought here to fill shortages and have already made a strong contribution to this country. New Zealand has a moral responsibility to reduce hardship amongst this group.
"A rising number are finding themselves in a precarious financial situation as a direct result of the recession which has created an economic climate unthinkable for many a year ago.
"This will have a direct cost to New Zealand in terms of repatriation, services and productivity."
[/img] Jonathan Coleman, Immigration Minister |
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chrisv
Joined: 17 Feb 2009 Posts: 335
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Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2009 7:11 pm Post subject: |
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| They should also change their tourist visa mumbo jumbo in their website. Its pretty vague and very misleading. |
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rdj95
Joined: 11 Sep 2007 Posts: 44 Location: New Zealand
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Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2009 2:41 am Post subject: |
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for related reading, go to expatexposed.com _________________ EOI Submitted: Jan 7, 2007
EOI Selected: May 9, 2007
ITA Received: October 30, 2007
ITA Submitted: February 1, 2008
Interview: November 25, 2008
WTR Invite: January 8, 2009
WTR Requirements Submitted: March 24, 2009
WTR Visa Issued: March 31, 2009 |
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neteng
Joined: 05 Jun 2009 Posts: 6
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Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2009 10:46 pm Post subject: |
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I strongly agree with Agnes' comment. kung ok kana jan sa Pinas (oks na sahod), better na hwag nang mag abroad - opinion lang po.
thnx |
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