News
Readers misdirected by Mail?
Reports in the UK press last month suggested that migrants in New Zealand were suffering as a result of the economic downturn.
According to the Daily Mail, "British expats face losing their jobs and being kicked out of the country because of the credit crunch and what is said to be a major shift in policy by the New Zealand government." The newspaper also suggested that British workers were being made redundant in order to create more jobs for NZ citizens.
But how much truth is in the reports? While New Zealand is certainly struggling with the effects of the economic crisis, relocation expert Mike Cole says that things really aren't as bad as all that. "New Zealand has taken an unfair knock, but this is still a great country and still does offer great opportunities," he says. "If you have a skill base which will allow you to apply for permanent residency then there are still currently opportunities here in NZ, they're just a bit harder to find."
As Mike explains, economic problems are more likely to affect temporary workers, who are particularly vulnerable to losing their job. "If your skills base with either need you to get a Work to Residency visa or a Temporary Work Visa then you may need to accept that this may not be the time to come," he warns. "The harsh reality of the world at this time is that each country is looking after its own first. For some it will be possible now and for others it may be that the dream goes on hold for a while – but this is still an awesome country and worth fighting to get into!"
12 August 2009