Citizens Advice Bureau advocate against accredited-employer type work visas

Migrant exploitation is on the rise & the Citizens Advice Bureau are actively fighting against this.

They have made a submission on a new law that will be introduced, asking for it to be considered a criminal offence to charge migrants fees in exchange for a job in New Zealand. This would be regardless of whether those fees are paid while the migrant is still offshore.

They have also advocated against the current employer-bonding scheme (as seen with the AEWV & new seasonal GWSV / PSV). They discussed the power play that develops from this visa situation, following countless complaints from migrants seeking their help where employers have threatened migrant workers or treated them unfairly. This type of visa situation discourages migrants from speaking up about their employers' actions in fear of losing their job or visa & needing to return home after all of the commitment they've shown to New Zealand.

You can watch their oral submission on Vimeo or read their written submission here.

Part of the Citizens Advice Bureau's role in the community is to advocate for social justice.

Not only do they provide FREE & CONFIDENTIAL advice, they also support those who come to them for help by speaking up about social issues on our behalf.

They also offer special support for migrants, like:

1. help with completing forms (including immigration forms)

2. advice on your legal rights & responsibilities (including low-level immigration advice)

3. employment assistance (incl. connecting you to recruiters & CV writing support)

4. tenancy (renting) rights

5. settlement support

6. community support (connecting you to community organisations that can help with your situation incl. those providing food, housing or financial support)

To get in touch, find your local CAB office reach out with a method you feel most comfortable with.

• Call

• Email

• Online chat

• Face-to-face visit