Migrant and refugee workers
15 July 2008
Employers of skilled migrants in New Zealand have identified a ten point check list for successful workplace relations. 
These include zero tolerance of racial discrimination in workplaces through to accommodating religious diversity at work, according to a new publication, Brain Gain: Migrant Workers in New Zealand, published today by the Human Rights Commission.
EEO Commissioner Dr Judy McGregor said the ten point check list had come from a wide variety of employers in industry sectors such as dairying, bakery, accountancy, local government, public service and the hospitality industry throughout New Zealand.
“There are many stories of the barriers and discrimination that migrant workers face in accessing decent employment. Success stories that profile businesses where migrant employees are critical to economic growth and sustainability in New Zealand are less well known.”
The Brain Gain report profiles best practice examples and advice to other prospective employers of migrants. The ten point check list is:
• Changing recruitment attitudes and practices to give migrants a go
• Talking to prospective employees before they come to New Zealand
• A good training and induction system in place for new migrants as well as other employees
• Different religious beliefs can be accommodated through good communication and workplace flexibility
• Languages other than English can be spoken where it does not compromise health and safety and essential work practices
• Helping migrants improve English language competencies helps boost business productivity
• Diversity of staff can be seen as an added value for co-workers in understanding different cultures
• Migrant workers can offer competitive advantage to new clients and customers
• Migrant workers approach employment with appreciation rather than expectation and exhibit a strong work ethic
• Zero tolerance of racial discrimination in the workplace must be led from top management.
“There are many industries such as dairying that are increasingly reliant on migrant workers for sustainability and we need employers to be looking at the positive experiences of others”, Dr McGregor said. The report aims to encourage employers with labour and skills shortages to use regional agencies working to place migrant employees.
“The barriers many skilled migrants face in accessing suitable employment and having their experience and qualifications recognised, should equally be recognised as a lost opportunity given the positive fiscal impact of immigration”, Dr McGregor said.
Download a PDF copy of Brain Grain: Migrant workers in New Zealand
The barriers facing New Zealand’s migrant and refugee jobseekers are well known, despite their growing contribution to the economy. There is ample research reporting the difficulties migrants and refugees face in their search for decent work. Migrant community groups have also clearly identified the problems they face in accessing employment.
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