22/08/2023
Regarding the recent media coverage of exploited migrants entering New Zealand. We agree its a terrible situation and there are so many, maybe 100s affected.
Whilst INZ had the tools to prevent this from happening it appears to be another case of Indian and Bangladeshi migrants ripping off their fellow countrymen in Singapore and India. These NZ Agents have linked up with NZ recruitment companies ( some Indian owned) and charged for jobs in NZ. This happens a lot - usually the migrants pay but don't get into NZ and lose the money. This time they have entry to NZ, albeit with no jobs.
It is very unfair that this should reflect badly on New Zealand employers - it appears to be another case of Indian and Bangladeshi NZ agents scamming millions of dollars from their fellow countrymen working in Singapore and India. It is a highly organised group who have been involved in this for years - usually the migrant is scammed offshore and does not have the opportunity to get to NZ due to Immigration New Zealands strict controls. This time, migrants have entered to find no jobs.
For 16 years, Staff Solutions has dealt with engineering companies, many scaffolding and industrial painting companies and found that employers treat their migrant workers extremely well and assist them to settle into New Zealand. They expect to employ skill tested workers suitable for the positions they offer. New Zealand employers should not be compared to the "so called" employers referred to in the media regarding migrant exploitation. It appears to be just another case of dishonest agents ripping off their fellow countrymen and vulnerable migrants seeking a pathway to New Zealand by any means and any cost.
If the migrants had used Licensed Immigration advisers they would have been advised not to proceed if they were not bona fide applicants - ie without the required work experience documents. The migrants would not have entered New Zealand to find they had been exploited by these unscrupulous Agents and that they have insufficient skills to obtain work. Those migrants with skills on the shortage list, we will assist to find genuine employment with good employers.