Laid off OFWs in NZ going underground

MANILA — An overseas Filipino workers group based in New Zealand warned that Filipinos retrenched as a result of the global economic crisis plaguing the South Pacific state might go underground instead of being sent back to the Philippines.

Scores of Filipinos laid off due to the crisis were planning to stay beyond the expiration of their work permits, Migrante-Aotearoa said on Thursday.

“These people have nothing to lose. An increasing number we represent are already over-stayers and are being forced to work underground, becoming subject to exploitation by employers and creating a whole new problem,” said Dennis Maga, the group’s national coordinator.

Migrante-Aotearoa is among the migrant groups that would be meeting with the New Zealand immigration ministry next month to appeal for amnesty and an interim policy that would allow laid-off migrant workers to stay longer so that they can look for other jobs.

“[OFWs] came here on a promise that they can start a new life. Now, suddenly, New Zealand wants them out, but they have nothing to go home to,” Maga said.

The Philippine consul-general Emilie Shi has called on the New Zealand government to show compassion and consideration to the affected OFWs.

“These people have sold and disposed of everything back home and have nothing to go back to. Many have come to see us desperate and in tears,” she was quoted by a local daily, the New Zealand Herald, as saying.

She said the New Zealand government could consider allowing the terminated OFWs to work in other jobs, adding, “It will be a win-win situation, the workers will continue to pay taxes, fill the job gaps, and be available when New Zealand needs them when the recession is over.”

There are about 30,000 OFWs in New Zealand, many of whom are on work permits or work-to-residence schemes.

The New Zealand labor department has refused to renew the work permits of many temporary migrant workers, saying New Zealanders are now available to take the jobs. The agency even removed 44 job categories from being available to migrant workers.

On the other hand, those who lose their jobs due to company closures, have had their work permits cancelled. They have to find the same jobs under the same scheme or leave the country.

Employers are now required to show proof that no locals are available for the job. This ensures that New Zealand citizens are prioritized in the job hiring. –Jerome Aning, Philippine Daily Inquirer