Govt website claims 'mislead migrants'

Jonathan Coleman. Photo / Mark Mitchell

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."