EMA Chief Executive Brett O’Riley is calling for the Government to declare an overstayer amnesty alongside allowing more
RSE workers from the Pacific Islands to come here quarantine-free from next month.
"We know a large proportion of those who have overstayed their visas are from the Pacific Islands, and given they are
already here and part of our community, why wouldn’t we be looking at supporting them first?" he asks.
"There is no doubt that Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers will fill labour shortages, particularly in the
agriculture sector, but potentially people for those jobs are here already so I’m not clear on why we’re not giving them
first crack."
Mr O’Riley says businesses across all regions and sectors are struggling with skill shortages and there is a need for
this kind of approach from the Government, but overstayer amnesty should have been the first step.
"We’ve got people who need the work but are scared of coming out of the shadows for fear of being sent home because of
their temporary status, and who won’t have the financial security they used to," he says.
"The shortage in workforce in infrastructure and construction has caused delays on major projects, projects that are
reliant on and benefit from the Pacific Island workforce. Access to more labour currently in the country would be well
received and help reduce the ongoing pressure on both industries."
Mr O’Riley welcomed calls from Tongan Princess Mele Sui’ilikutapu Kalanivalu Fotofili for a clearly defined pathway to
residency in New Zealand, as the next logical step to strengthen the relationship with Pacific Island communities and
countries.
"These countries rely on New Zealand, and we need a much more transparent and aspirational pathway for their migrants,
who end up supporting both their own and New Zealand’s economy".
"We are keen to work with the Government on how an overstayer amnesty and residency pathway like this would help fill
the skills chasm, now and in the future."