Proposed immigration changes hit restaurant industry

Olaf's Artisan Bakery Cafe owners Robert Heeps (left) and Olaf Blanke want proposed immigration policy changes scrapped. Photo / Lincoln Tan

A Mt Eden artisan bakery and cafe is calling on customers to write to the Immigration Minister to scrap the proposed changes to immigration rules.

Pathways to residencies are being cut to many hospitality occupations and a new income threshold of $48,859 to qualify for skilled migrant policy are among the changes proposed.

Although they come into effect mid-August, the Restaurant Association says it is already having an impact on many in the industry.

Olaf's Artisan Bakery Cafe in Mt Eden has posted a notice at the entrance of the cafe saying it has shortened its opening hours.

"Unfortunately, due to the changes in the Immigration laws in New Zealand, we have to act as well," the notice said.

"Please feel free to join our concerns and email our Immigration Minister."

Co-owner Robert Heeps said five of his 25 staff had resigned since the announcement of the proposed changes.

"They want to move to Hamilton, Tauranga or whatever, to try to pick up extra points to get through their immigration applications before the rules change," Heeps said.

Co-owner Olaf Blanke said he had trouble recruiting because many were now re-considering their career in hospitality, and the rules also made it difficult for him to employ staff with the skills he needs.

"We shortened our hours because we just can't get the staff," Blanke said.

"We just want the Immigration Minister to scrap the changes, and ask our customers to do the same."

Restaurant Association chief executive Marisa Bidois said many in the industry are nervous and anxious about the proposed changes.

"Generally speaking the industry has been struggling with a skills shortage for over 10 years and adjustments to the status quo will impact our industry negatively," she said.

"Many restaurant workers are now making decisions based on what they think will happen."

Association members met Immigration NZ yesterday, and many expressed unhappiness with many aspects of the policy changes.

Immigration policy director Shane Kinley said the agency had so far received more than 60 written submissions.

These included individuals and organisations in the construction, education, dairy, restaurant and care sectors.

"Meetings have been held with industry bodies representing retail, health, construction, tourism, hospitality, transport, dairy and primary industry sectors, and also with the Small Business Development Group, BusinessNZ and the Council of Trade Unions," Kinley said.

"The meetings have been effective in raising awareness of the consultation and identifying issues that are likely to be raised in submissions."

Kinley said no comment will be made on the feedback until the submissions have been analysed and considered by the Minister of Immigration and final decisions made by Cabinet.