|
The
needs of immigrants who arrived in this country more than two years
ago are not being met, says the New Zealand Association of Citizens
Advice Bureaux, and need urgent attention.
The
Association, which represents the country's 91 Citizens Advice Bureaux,
has released a report at the start of its national Awareness Week,
using the experience of its clients to highlight the problems this
group of people face.
Chief
Executive Rachael Le Mesurier, says her organisation has released
the report, The Forgotten People: The Experience of Immigrants
to New Zealand, because it is concerned that many skilled, talented
and highly motivated migrants have been ignored and neglected. The
lack of recognition of qualifications, misleading advice from immigration
consultants, and difficulties in equal opportunities for employment
are compounded by the fact that there is no specific support once
new migrants arrive.
NZACAB
believes that New Zealand is missing the chance to boost its knowledge
economy with this wonderful pool of talent. Unfortunately, many
migrants areleaving, if they are able, to better opportunities in
Australia.
"We
have had client after client come to a bureau frustrated, angry
and often depressed because, despite enormous effort on their part
and doing all the right things prior to coming here, they have not
been able to secure work.
"In
addition to that, they face discrimination when trying to get work.
People talk of applying for a job and being told it's been filled.
Then a few days later they have seen it readvertised. They also
speak of having bad experiences with immigration consultants," says
Ms Le Mesurier.
"We
applaud the recent launch of the Migrants Helpline by Immigration
Services and welcome the partnership with the CAB. We
note that the focus is only on those within two years of arrival.
"NZACAB
recommends that there should be recognition of the support needs
of those who have arrived more than two years ago, bridging courses
to enable migrants to qualify to practice in New Zealand, a Code
of Ethics for immigration consultants and greater emphasis on rectifying
discrimination experienced in employment."
[Click
here for a copy of the report]
|
![To see what social issues we are currently working on [through advocacy and media]](../../images/socialp.GIF){kind=small}
