For many migrants their job is the security they need for a new life. As the recession bites, many will lose their visas and be sent back home. Valerie Schuler reports
Nathan* and his wife came to New Zealand following one of the coups in Fiji. They arrived in Auckland in 2007. Nathan got a job at an inner- city firm of architects; his wife gave birth to their first son. Life was good until - out of the blue - Nathan was made redundant.
``It came as a complete shock and really turned things around for us,' says the 31-year-old.
Hundreds of migrants across Auckland face a similar ordeal.
They come here on skilled work visas and are either made redundant or can't find work during the recession. Immigration NZ has not shut its doors so still more people are arriving on work visas.
An Auckland migrant action group hopes a forum this week for migrants and policymakers will help to address the situation.
Like many others, Nathan is here on a specified work visa - meaning he can only work in a specific job. He has not been able to find another job in his field. The family is living temporarily at a friend's house in West Auckland.
Once Nathan's visa expires next year, the future is uncertain.
``I can't apply for permanent residency unless I have a job,' he says. ``I'm worried I will be sent back to Fiji. We've achieved a lot here and don't want to go back. It's a very stressful situation for us.'
New Zealand takes 45,000 migrants a year, many on skilled work visas. The Migrant Action Trust says hundreds of people in situations similar to Nathan's have contacted it. The Aucklander asked Immigration NZ if it has any solutions to the problem.
The response: ``If a person is made redundant on the basis that their work permit no longer exists, they can reapply,' says service delivery group manager, Steve Cantlon. ``If they have secured a new job they should apply for a work permit to work for the new employer. If they need time to make arrangements to leave New Zealand and will not be working, they should apply for a visitor permit.'
The Migrant Action Trust says further solutions are needed and is holding a forum this week to tackle the issue.
``These are real-life people, who were uprooted and spent a lot of money to come here and now they are being asked to go home,' says co-ordinator Agnes Granada.
``Something needs to be done so the problem doesn't become bigger.
``We don't have the answers, that's why we are holding this forum. We want to hear from as many migrants as possible, so that the Government will listen.
``If we look for solutions, we will find them.'
The forum is at Windy Ridge School, Glenfield, on Saturday, May 30. More info: email migrantaction@ xtra.co.nz or ph 629 3500.
* Nathan didn't want his full name used for fear of jeopardising his job prospects.
28 05 2009
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