Article – Socialist Equality GroupBy John Braddock New Zealands Labour government announced last week that it will ease restrictions on temporary migrant workers to address severe labour shortages in critical areas. About 4,000 working holiday-makers are in the country and more than 21,000 temporary workers have had their visas approved. The government’s Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner Saunoamaali’i Karanina Sumeo subsequently investigated the workers’ conditions. Pacific workers’ visas tie them to a specific employer which, according to Sumeo, can result in employer “over-reach” into controlling a worker’s basic rights. Many people on temporary visas, including some on the RSE scheme, were unable to return home.

Source: Stuff August 30, 2022 23:18 UTC