'Long overdue': Migrant workers welcome government's residency plan for 165,000

Thursday, 30 September 2021

New Zealand Migrant Workers' Association spokesperson Anu Kaloti talks to Radio Tarana's Sanjesh Narain about Immigration NZ's residency plans for 165,000 migrants.

The Migrant Workers' Association of New Zealand has welcomed the government's move to fast-track residency for 165,000 migrants and their families.

Thousands of migrants on temporary work visas will be fast-tracked for residency after a major immigration policy shift from Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi.

Government will provide a one-off simplified residency pathway through its '2021 resident visa', and an estimated 165,000 migrants will be eligible for it.

Delighted ... Migrant Workers' Association of New Zealand spokesperson Anu Kaloti.

'It meets most of the demands that we had on the petition,' association spokesperson Anu Kaloti told Radio Tarana.

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'We are extremely happy and the good thing here is that it will benefit around 165,000 people, which is about 68 per cent of temporary migrants onshore at the moment.

'It's really good that it will benefit many and not just a few, and it will be residence, and not another temporary visa that's been automatically extended; it was long overdue, and it's welcome news,' said Kaloti, who has been a tireless campaigner for the plight of migrant workers.

However, Kaloti said despite the positive outcome, they were disappointed no plan was announced for those stranded offshore, and also whether the government would be able to deliver on time.

'We do have one or two concerns as well, for example, people who have been stranded offshore, this has not been extended for them - that is a concern and disappointing.

'We will continue to campaign for those stranded offshore,' Kaloti said.

'And the other concern is that hopefully, the government will put enough resources into Immigration New Zealand so that this visa category can be delivered in a timely manner.

'They plan to do this within a year, and that will only be possible if the department is fully resourced,' Kaloti said.

Applications for the new fast-tracked residency process will be opened up to migrants on most temporary work visas between December and July. Critical workers who cross the border before the end of July will also be eligible.

Minister Faafoi said more than 5000 health and aged care workers, around 9000 primary industry workers, and more than 800 teachers would be eligible.

A portion of the 15,000 construction and 12,000 manufacturing workers on temporary visas could also be eligible.

The 2021 resident visa will be available to most work-related visa holders and their family members, as long as they were in New Zealand on September 29.