13 May 2015

Employer accreditation may not go far enough

A group representing migrant workers is welcoming the government’s changes to Essential Skills visas, but concerns remain over the content of an accreditation scheme which aims to protect migrant workers against unscrupulous employers.

“We are pleased with the government’s decision to alter the conditions of the Essential Skills visa category, but we are concerned that the accreditation scheme does not go far enough to protect migrant workers against exploitation” says Union Network of Migrants (UNEMIG) Workers’ Advocate Dennis Maga.

“Figures from MBIE reveal that between November 2013 and October 2014 almost one third of the 268 complaints it received about Canterbury businesses related to migrant worker exploitation. This is only the tip of the iceberg and more can be done to protect whistleblowers”.

“Employers who wish to become accredited must show that they are financially viable with sound workplace practices and a commitment to employing and training New Zealanders. These are only minimum standards” says Maga.

“More can be done and the government must make a commitment to consult with migrant workers themselves about what protections are needed to prevent exploitation”.

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