Migrant workers
It's important to remember and acknowledge intersectionality, as everyone has multiple identities, and experience discrimination and privilege in different ways. Aotearoa’s population is multi-ethnic and continues to become more so. Coming from different cultural backgrounds, every migrant brings with them unique skills and qualities which contribute to building a bright future for the country.
It's important to remember and acknowledge intersectionality, as everyone has multiple identities, and experience discrimination and privilege in different ways.
Aotearoa’s population is multi-ethnic, and continues to become more so. Coming from different cultural backgrounds, every migrant brings with them unique skills and qualities which contribute to building a bright future for the country.
Employing people from varied backgrounds can greatly benefit your workspace, as they can provide new perspectives and problem-solving approaches.
Multicultural work environments also build cross-cultural communication skills and encourages personal growth and cultural awareness for all workers.
Key Statistics
4% of migrant workers each year reported their employer had asked/expected them to pay money to get or keep their job.
3% of migrant employes in 2021 and 2% in 2022 were paid less than the adult minimum wage.
2% of migrant workers in 2021 and 1% in 2022 did not have a written employment agreement
In 2022, 5% of migrant workers contacted someone for help with their working conditions.
More than half of migrant workers each year feels they had been treated unfairly because of their origin, with 31% of these workers in 2021 and 28% in 2022 experiencing this unfair treatment while applying for a job.
Common workplace barriers
Language barrier.
Ethnic/cultural discrimination and harassment.
Unfair pay.
Lack of community support.
Steps to include migrants in your workplace
Build an inclusive and positive workplace.
Support your migrant workers in learning English.
Facilitate a support network for your migrant workers.
Be open to providing support with local regulations they are not familiar with.
Train your English-speaking workers to communicate more effectively with the non-natives.
Provide non-native workers with ongoing training and development opportunities to support retention.
Workplace policies
Cultural oriented policies (flexibility for cultural events and ceremonies).
Implement transparent pay structure.
Zero-tolerance discrimination and harassment policies.
How to write job ads for this group
Use plain English.
Be specific with the job description - clear requirements and skills.
Be open to support the applicant with visa requirements.
Highlight company’s policy on diversity.
Resources
ESOL Training Programs for Workplaces | Edvance Workplace Education
Settlement resources for employers | Immigration New Zealand