Second report slams lack of help for skilled immigrants

WELLINGTON - The needs of immigrants arriving here are not being met, the Citizens Advice Bureaus Association says in the second report this month to criticise the way we help new residents.

The association yesterday released the report, "Forgotten People: The Experience of Immigrants to New Zealand," which uses the experiences of its clients to highlight the problems facing immigrants.

Many skilled, talented and highly motivated immigrants had been ignored or neglected since arriving in New Zealand, chief executive Rachael Le Mesurier said.

"The lack of recognition of qualifications, misleading advice from immigration consultants and difficulties in equal opportunities for employment [are] compounded by no specific support once they arrive."

Immigrants qualified in medicine, dentistry, veterinary practice and engineering in particular had been admitted to New Zealand on the basis of their qualifications but had been refused registration by the appropriate professional body, the report said. "The irony is that many unemployed migrants are in fields that have a demand for qualified professionals," it said.

The association believed New Zealand was missing out on the chance to boost its knowledge economy with "this wonderful pool of talent," Ms Le Mesurier said.

"We have had client after client come to a bureau frustrated, angry and often depressed because, despite enormous effort on their part and doing all the right things prior to coming here, they have not been able to secure work.

"In addition, they face discrimination when trying to get work. People talk of applying for a job and being told it's been filled. Then a few days later they have seen it re-advertised."

While the Immigration Service's new Migrants' Helpline was a positive development, it should be broadened to help those who have been here longer than two years.

There should also be bridging courses to enable migrants to work in New Zealand, a code of ethics for immigration consultants, and greater emphasis on stopping discrimination in employment, Ms Le Mesurier said.

Earlier this month, a Massey University report also said that New Zealand was falling short in meeting the needs of refugees.

- NZPA