New Zealand’s Migrant Workers’ Association urges government to provide reassurance to offshore work visa holders

Migrant Workers’ Association of New Zealand has called on the government to shed clarity on permitting work visa holders who are stuck abroad to return once the borders reopen. Anu Kaloti, association spokesperson has said that people are eager to return to the country but need reassurance from government.

“Some people have already lost their jobs or their visas have expired, it’s not their fault, it’s really nobody’s fault, it’s due to the pandemic,” Kaloti said.

Large number of residents and citizens of New Zealand are going for mandatory quarantine as they return to the country.

Kaloti stated, “Those people understand the health risk, while at the same time we acknowledge that the virus does not discriminate based on people’s immigration status.”

Those people understand the health risk, while at the same time we acknowledge that the virus does not discriminate based on people’s immigration status.

Anu Kaloti, Migrant Workers’ Association of New Zealand spokesperson

The association is also running a social media campaign to pressurize government to permit offshore workers entry into country. Anu Kaloti said, “For all people stuck offshore, we’ve got a campaign or petition going at the moment – Be Kind to Migrant Workers, #Provide Pathways to Residency – and one of their demands specifically is that people who are stuck overseas be allowed back just like citizens are allowed back.”

“But as a minimum I think this government needs to make an announcement, needs to provide assurance to those stuck offshore that if they’re not allowed back now, they will be allowed back whenever the government thinks it’s safe for them to come back. That would mean if the border remained closed for 12 months, those people will need visa extensions for 12 months, or for however long the border remains closed,” she added.

She further said that though the people are willing to wait, they still need a minimum statement of assurance from government that they would be allowed to enter. She further noted that though government had made small changes in its regulations, they are still small.