Press Release: Support for Newcomers

As Auckland’s leading settlement support service provider, Auckland Regional Migrant Services Trust (ARMS) is concerned about the issues and trends highlighted in two articles published in New Zealand Herald today ($2 an hour 'common' for migrants and Battle for a living wage: Students obliged to take jobs at well below minimum wage).

Dr Mary Dawson, ARMS Chief Executive, notes that migrants are becoming more vulnerable to unethical employers, and are often too frightened to seek advice or remedy. “With the New Zealand economy showing a slow recovery and a sluggish labour market, many newcomers and locals are often desperate to find work and to support their families. However, illegal employment practices should not be condoned and allowed to flourish, and more pro-active measures need to be taken to curb such labour market activities”.

For newcomers, the New Zealand government funds free migrant employment assistance programmes and settlement support services for newcomers to assist them with finding employment and settling in New Zealand. While not the full answer to migrants’ job search challenges, these programmes do provide valuable information, tools and support to assist them in their quest for suitable jobs”, says Dr Dawson.

“We strongly encourage them to utilize these free services”.

During the last financial year, ARMS assisted 2,246 newcomers with Job Search workshops, English Language assessments, and Volunteer Workplace Experience opportunities.

In addition, the Settlement Support initiatives across Auckland offer many information sessions for newcomers covering topics such as Employment Rights. Free-phone in NZ 0800 776 948 to be connected to a service near you.

To attend a Free Job Search workshop, please contact ARMS team on 09 625 2440, or email on reception@arms-mrc.org.nz

ENDS

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