A new approach to migrant workers has been welcomed by BusinessNZ.

Immigration Minister Jonathan Coleman today announced a trial agreement between the tourism industry and Immigration NZ, aimed at providing more certainty for workers on temporary work permits and their employers.

The agreement specifies the timeframe in which employers should talk to Immigration NZ about their need for temporary migrant workers and in which Immigration NZ should advise whether permits will be approved or declined.

BusinessNZ Chief Executive Phil O’Reilly said this was a good example of business and government working together for a pragmatic solution.

“The previously opaque and sometimes inconsistent process should now become a lot clearer,” Mr O’Reilly said.

“It should be stressed that New Zealand employers will always look to employ New Zealanders first, but even in today’s labour market some employers need to recruit migrant workers where there are no suitable New Zealanders willing to do the job.

“Temporary migrant workers generate significant benefits to New Zealand and we would hope consideration will be given to extending the approach beyond employers in the tourism and hospitality industries.”

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