Danger for Skilled Migrants on Temp Permits

Migrants are big business for the New Zealand economy and collectively bring over $8 billion to this country every year – a figure equal to our income from international tourism.

Until the end of 2008 most skilled workers trod a well-worn path which involved coming to NZ, looking for work, getting a temporary work permit and then applying for Permanent Residency. According to New Zealand Immigration Statistics 85% of migrants who gained Permanent Residency in 2008 were already living in New Zealand.

But times have very quickly changed and many skilled migrants on temporary visas do not realise just how vulnerable they now are.

“In just the last couple of days we have found ourselves helping families from England, Scotland, Romania and Germany. All have skills on one of the Skills Shortage Lists but following redundancy are falling into unbearable situations at risk of deportation. We are not talking about illegal overstayers, but skilled workers that have made a significant contribution to New Zealand in taxes and fees. They meet immigrations character and health requirements and are financially independent”. said Mike Bell from Move 2 New Zealand Trust.

Since emigrating from London to New Zealand in 2000 Mike Bell has become one of the leading experts in this field. Mr. Bell runs the award winning www.move2nz.com and co-founded Christchurch’s Skilled Migrant Information and Resource Centre, a free service providing direct help and advice to skilled migrants in 2006.

A detailed report by Move 2 New Zealand Trust in Christchurch has just been published highlighting the risks New Zealand is facing. By acting now we can avoid damage to our economy, workforce and chances of economic recovery after the recession.

ENDS

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