Recent immigration data has revealed a concerning trend, indicating that one in six workers who entered New Zealand under the post-Cyclone Recovery Visa are currently overstaying their permitted duration in the country.
Introduced as part of the recovery efforts following the extreme weather events of last year, including Cyclone Gabrielle and the floods in Auckland, this visa category attracted over 1,200 individuals to undertake employment connected to the reconstruction endeavors, with the visa fees being waived.
However, out of the initial cohort, only a meager 72 individuals have returned to their home countries, leaving a significant portion still residing in New Zealand beyond the stipulated period. By the latest count, 177 individuals have been identified as unlawfully remaining in the country.
The intention behind the visa scheme was to swiftly enlist skilled professionals such as engineers, insurance assessors, and heavy machinery operators to aid in the recovery process. Nonetheless, the reality portrayed a different picture, with a considerable portion of the workforce comprising less qualified individuals, primarily laborers and cleaners.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has flagged a troubling aspect regarding the authenticity of applications, citing a high rate of “non-genuine, fraudulent” submissions, resulting in the rejection of 40 percent of applications. Unlike accredited employer work visas, this category did not necessitate employer accreditation, and successful applicants were exempt from the usual visa fees, subsidized by the government.
Reports have surfaced indicating deceptive marketing strategies in certain countries, portraying the visa as a free and accessible pathway to work in New Zealand. Such misleading information, coupled with online resources suggesting eligibility for permanent residence after a brief period, has fueled unethical practices, including agents charging exorbitant fees for job and visa packages.
While the visa category was closed to new applicants in September, existing recovery workers were granted a three-month extension, with applications for renewal closing in the coming month.
Government documents from last September underscore the unforeseen surge in demand for the recovery visa, surpassing initial projections and depleting allocated funds. The uptake predominantly skewed towards lower-skilled roles, with reports of fraudulent activities and exploitation emerging within the category.
The Immigration Compliance team at MBIE continues to pursue unlawful individuals, albeit facing challenges in locating them due to inaccurate or incomplete information provided during the visa application process. Efforts are underway to improve the identification of contact details for both applicants and relevant third parties within New Zealand.
As New Zealand navigates through the aftermath of natural disasters, the issue of overstaying among post-cyclone recovery workers underscores the complexities and vulnerabilities inherent in temporary visa schemes, necessitating stricter scrutiny and enforcement measures to safeguard against exploitation and uphold immigration integrity.
