Why migrant exploitation remain hidden in communities
Few migration issues generate more public debate than illegal migrant workers but the story is a common one… migrants leaving their home countries to pursue a better life. Migration agents overselling the dream to these vulnerable migrants… Migrants ‘caught’ in work with little opportunity, poor remuneration, and, at worse, dangerous and illegal conditions. So why do ethnic communities not only ignore these disturbing tales but in many cases ‘use’ the vulnerable workers in their shops and restaurants? And why do communities stay quiet about the abuses going on in front of them?
India is now the largest source country of skilled migrants (17 per cent) in New Zealand; and the fastest growing, second largest source of international students (13 per cent). However, over the last decade, only 1 in 5 international students gained permanent residence in New Zealand within five years of being issued their first student visa. Given these statistics, I was interested to see the (lack of) responses to the story “100 per cent pure nothing for skilled migrant students” in last week’s Indian Weekender. The few replies blame the exploited student for not researching her destination, leaving her husband behind in India, and for believing the immigration agents: “Options and choices my dear and you chose wrong.”
Unfortunately such a response is not uncommon within migrant communities, in parallel with growth in migrants working in low-waged jobs in New Zealand. Traditionally the worst jobs with the hardest working conditions and the least pay have been ‘reserved’ for migrants. Hiring is done within individual communities (primarily Indian and Chinese) and involves mainly small-business owners. My research indicates more than 40 per cent of migrant respondents in the Auckland central city working in breach of visa conditions, and nearly 38 per cent were paid below the minimum wage. Another survey in the horticultural sector found that 100 per cent of the 89 Indian migrant horticultural workers surveyed were paid below minimum wage, received little workplace training, and 82 per cent felt unsafe in their places of work.
Lakshmi’s situation typifies the vulnerability of young Indian migrant workers as easy targets for exploitation. Many are in breach of their visa conditions, fear deportation, and have large loans at high interest rates to service on top of the high cost of living here. In addition, they many face discrimination, isolation, and exploitation, and are exploited within their own ethnic groups. Replication of the caste system further limits opportunities and progression for many while fear of the establishment and the perception of corruption stops migrants speaking out. However, financial imperatives, ‘flexible’ working arrangements, and no or low barriers to entry make the need for this sort of work relatively sought after, particularly among Indians seeking the elusive ‘New Zealand experience’.
Policy responses must focus on greater regulation and enforcement and more effective employer sanctions (including ‘naming and shaming’ of offenders). The recent changes indicated by the Minister of Immigration to increase penalties for offenders is welcome although their effectiveness (or otherwise) will largely rest on increased numbers on the ground and funding for the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment’s Labour Inspectorate. Greater cross-agency collaboration is also needed on this important issue. Migrant communities also have a shared responsibility alongside regulation to work on stamping out these illegal practices. By failing to work within the laws and norms of New Zealand society shows disrespect for the prevailing local values and signals a willingness to operate outside legal avenues.
However this opinion piece is not intended to generalise to the whole Indian community or blame only Indian employers for what is a widespread issue, particularly in Auckland. What is of concern though is the failure of the community leaders to acknowledge and address this problem. Is it mistrust of authority? Apathy? Or simply the norm?
Any feedback/ opinions on why would be welcome.
Danaë Anderson is a researcher in the Business and Law Faculty at AUT University. She is completing her PhD on student migrants working in New Zealand.
Few migration issues generate more public debate than illegal migrant workers but the story is a common one… migrants leaving their home countries to pursue a better life. Migration agents overselling the dream to these vulnerable migrants… Migrants ‘caught’ in work with little opportunity, poor...
Few migration issues generate more public debate than illegal migrant workers but the story is a common one… migrants leaving their home countries to pursue a better life. Migration agents overselling the dream to these vulnerable migrants… Migrants ‘caught’ in work with little opportunity, poor remuneration, and, at worse, dangerous and illegal conditions. So why do ethnic communities not only ignore these disturbing tales but in many cases ‘use’ the vulnerable workers in their shops and restaurants? And why do communities stay quiet about the abuses going on in front of them?
India is now the largest source country of skilled migrants (17 per cent) in New Zealand; and the fastest growing, second largest source of international students (13 per cent). However, over the last decade, only 1 in 5 international students gained permanent residence in New Zealand within five years of being issued their first student visa. Given these statistics, I was interested to see the (lack of) responses to the story “100 per cent pure nothing for skilled migrant students” in last week’s Indian Weekender. The few replies blame the exploited student for not researching her destination, leaving her husband behind in India, and for believing the immigration agents: “Options and choices my dear and you chose wrong.”
Unfortunately such a response is not uncommon within migrant communities, in parallel with growth in migrants working in low-waged jobs in New Zealand. Traditionally the worst jobs with the hardest working conditions and the least pay have been ‘reserved’ for migrants. Hiring is done within individual communities (primarily Indian and Chinese) and involves mainly small-business owners. My research indicates more than 40 per cent of migrant respondents in the Auckland central city working in breach of visa conditions, and nearly 38 per cent were paid below the minimum wage. Another survey in the horticultural sector found that 100 per cent of the 89 Indian migrant horticultural workers surveyed were paid below minimum wage, received little workplace training, and 82 per cent felt unsafe in their places of work.
Lakshmi’s situation typifies the vulnerability of young Indian migrant workers as easy targets for exploitation. Many are in breach of their visa conditions, fear deportation, and have large loans at high interest rates to service on top of the high cost of living here. In addition, they many face discrimination, isolation, and exploitation, and are exploited within their own ethnic groups. Replication of the caste system further limits opportunities and progression for many while fear of the establishment and the perception of corruption stops migrants speaking out. However, financial imperatives, ‘flexible’ working arrangements, and no or low barriers to entry make the need for this sort of work relatively sought after, particularly among Indians seeking the elusive ‘New Zealand experience’.
Policy responses must focus on greater regulation and enforcement and more effective employer sanctions (including ‘naming and shaming’ of offenders). The recent changes indicated by the Minister of Immigration to increase penalties for offenders is welcome although their effectiveness (or otherwise) will largely rest on increased numbers on the ground and funding for the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment’s Labour Inspectorate. Greater cross-agency collaboration is also needed on this important issue. Migrant communities also have a shared responsibility alongside regulation to work on stamping out these illegal practices. By failing to work within the laws and norms of New Zealand society shows disrespect for the prevailing local values and signals a willingness to operate outside legal avenues.
However this opinion piece is not intended to generalise to the whole Indian community or blame only Indian employers for what is a widespread issue, particularly in Auckland. What is of concern though is the failure of the community leaders to acknowledge and address this problem. Is it mistrust of authority? Apathy? Or simply the norm?
Any feedback/ opinions on why would be welcome.
Danaë Anderson is a researcher in the Business and Law Faculty at AUT University. She is completing her PhD on student migrants working in New Zealand.
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