Swain looks for ways to help refugees get work

1.00pm

Immigration Minister Paul Swain is looking at ways to make it easier for refugees to get jobs after his department reported that eight out of 10 are still on a benefit after being here for five years.

The report, issued yesterday, said only about a third had been able to find jobs, and of those one in three worked part-time.

It identified language as the main barrier, because English was a requirement for most jobs.

"It is very, very difficult for refugees to find jobs," Mr Swain said today.

"A lot of that is due to language difficulties... these people aren't coming from the south of England, many have been in refugee camps for up to 10 years and first they have to adjust and then get work."

The department's policy and research manager, Marilyn Little, said on National Radio it was usually difficult for refugees to come off a benefit.

"It is difficult to get full-time work, there's almost a benefit trap issue where people can be better off working part-time and getting a benefit as well," she said.

Mr Swain said the Government was putting significant amounts of money into language schools and other support services for refugees, but the employment problem was difficult.

"We have to be more creative in identifying the kind of jobs that are out there," he said.

"It means working with employers to break down the barriers and encourage them to have a look at these people.

"They're dedicated and hard working. It's the first step that's the most difficult -- trying to get employers to give them a go."

Mr Swain said he was looking at a long-term employment plan for refugees.

One possibility was finding them jobs in the agriculture sector, where there were plenty of opportunities because of the tight labour market.

He said the Auckland Chamber of Commerce was doing good work in fitting immigrants and refugees into jobs, and its scheme could be extended.

- NZPA