CALL TO ACTION FOR NEW GOVERNMENT FROM MIGRANT & FORMER REFUGEE COMMUNITIES IN AOTEAROA
15 September 2020
COVID-19 brought out the best of Aotearoa as a society but at the same time exposed the inequality and the marginalisation of migrants and resettled communities. We belong to one global community and we believe that everyone should be treated with respect and have their human rights protected especially in this critical stage of the pandemic. We all deserve a decent life in a compassionate society that is part of the global community.
The series of community hui led by Migrant Action Trust (MAT), Aotearoa Resettled Community Coalition (ARCC), Belong Aotearoa and the Living Wage Movement enabled us to work in solidarity and be part of the solution. We united, shared stories and heard the common issues felt by many migrants and resettled communities. The hui highlighted the urgent need for political parties to make transformational policies that address the systemic causes of deprivation and marginalisation of migrants in Aotearoa.
We ask the new government to:
Extend New Zealand Red Cross Support to Foreign Nationals
Thousands of stranded migrants and international students who have lost their jobs and been made redundant, do not have access to welfare despite Section 64 of the Security Act, which would allow stranded migrant workers access to welfare. Given the non-enforcement of Section 64, we are now calling on government to extend the New Zealand Red Cross Support to Foreign Nationals in hardship for another 6 months. No one should have to beg for food, clothing and accommodation.
Review immigration policies that make migrant workers vulnerable to exploitation.
Diverse ethnic communities play a major role in helping to rebuild and strengthen Aotearoa’s economy and health system. They have contributed their skills and experience as many have been here for several years building roads, bridges, seaports and airports, working in agriculture and making a vital contribution to the health system. Migrants should not be pitted against returning Kiwis because of the pandemic. We believe that we are all in this together. We need all the human resources to make Aotearoa strong not only in economic terms but as a society that truly cares and treasures diverse communities honouring the kaupapa in Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Appeal for pandemic impacted migrants with pending residence applications
On behalf of migrant workers with pending residence applications with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) wherein their jobs were affected during the pandemic, we also appeal for consideration for them to continue with their application. They have worked hard to reach that point, have paid fees and are patiently waiting for the assessment and finalisation of their application.
Promote Family Reunification of former refugees
to improve community participation, integration and social cohesion in resettled communities – revisit and change family reunification policy through genuine consultative mechanisms with key people from the communities and their respective organisations to ensure responsive and durable solutions.
Commit to providing more information and services for undocumented migrants/overstayers
to explore options to legally work and live in Aotearoa without fear of being arrested and deported. We believe this will prevent the undercutting of New Zealand businesses that employ documented persons by those who employ undocumented migrants.
With just a few weeks to the October elections, we call on all the political parties to listen and heed the challenges of migrants and resettled communities who have been positively contributing to Aotearoa New Zealand as essential workers and citizens for many years.