Iain Lees-Galloway
MP for Palmerston North
Immigration Spokesperson
11 August 2016
Work visas issued for jobs workless Kiwis want
Thousands of work visas for low-skilled jobs were issued by the Government in the past year despite tens of thousands of
unemployed Kiwis looking for work in those exact occupations, Labour’s Immigration spokesperson Iain Lees-Galloway says.
“A comparison of the Household Labour Force Survey and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment immigration
statistics shows the Government approved work visas for 6,500 labourers despite there being 15,600 unemployed labourers
here in New Zealand.
“A further 2,700 work visas were issued for sales workers even though there are already 23,000 unemployed sales workers.
“There are 14,500 unemployed clerical and administrative workers, yet 2,400 work visas were issued for those jobs last
year.
“It’s not credible to say there aren’t the workers in New Zealand for these jobs – there are literally tens of thousands
of Kiwis looking for them.
“The Government needs to help unemployed New Zealanders connect with employers who have jobs to fill, rather than
looking offshore.
“Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse needs to assure the public that it is not allowing some businesses to avoid
paying the real market wage for workers by abusing the immigration system.
“This means lower wages and fewer jobs for Kiwis, and exploitation of immigrants. The Government must urgently review
its immigration policy.
“Labour supports immigration that helps to grow our economy and enrich our culture,” Iain Lees-Galloway says.
Unemployed New Zealanders by occupation sought Work visas approved 15/16Clerical and Administrative Workers 14,500 2,381Community and Personal Service Workers 12,100 12,100Labourers 15,600 6,513Sales Workers 23,000 2,745Machinery Operators and Drivers 5,300 2,021Professionals 17,500 16,634Technicians and Trades Workers 6,300 16,518Managers 5,500 10,943Responses outside of definitions 52,500 1,176 Statistics NZ: HLFS MBIE: Immigration Statistics
ends