Migrants cite rudeness, lack of jobs

By AINSLEY THOMSON

Immigration Minister Lianne Dalziel faced up to frustrations of new migrants at a packed public meeting in Howick last night.

About 300 people crowded into the Owairoa School hall to quiz Ms Dalziel about issues such as screening for Aids and the "rude" behaviour of immigration officials.

Many people at the meeting, which was organised by Howick councillor Sharon Stewart, were new migrants who had experienced problems with the Immigration Service.

Their concerns included the need for registration or control of immigration consultants, the change in policy relating to family migration, the need to identify applicants with HIV or Aids, and the "misinformation" given out about life and job prospects in New Zealand.

Ms Dalziel was late to the meeting due to a missed flight, and did not address the first issues.

Debbie Donaldson, who emigrating from Zimbabwe a year ago, asked the minister why New Zealand did not screen for HIV or Aids, when they were rife in many countries.

Ms Dalziel said if someone was considered to be a burden to the health system he or she would be declined residence.

HIV testing did not produce an accurate result because of the delay between exposure and it showing up in blood tests, she said.

"It's an assumption that you can keep Aids out at the border - you can't."

But Ms Daziel said she was considering screening for other diseases such as TB.

Many people at the meeting spoke of new migrants becoming disgruntled when they could not find good jobs.

Some said they believe people were misinformed about employment opportunities.

Ms Daziel said recent policy changes that encouraged applicants to have a job offer relevant to their qualifications or work experience was important because migrants were likely to settle more quickly if they could apply their particular skills in employment.

Many at the meeting voiced frustration with the Immigration Service.

Robyn Johnstone, spokeswoman for Zimcare, a group set up to support people from Zimbabwe, said applicants were subjected to delays and unnecessary hardships.

People commonly encountered rude case workers, and applicants were not kept informed, she said.

Ms Daziel said such behaviour by service employees was not acceptable, and she urged people to complain.

Language barriers were a problem in many situations, she said.

National's spokeswoman on immigration, Marie Hasler, who was also at the meeting, said the high attendance suggested problems with present Government policy.

She would like to see a stronger stance on HIV and Aids screening and a more consistent approach from the service.

Feature: Immigration