On July 12, 2024, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) issued a media communication that sent shockwaves through the business community and amongst migrant workers. INZ, through a communique, confirmed that some employers who applied to renew their accreditation had not received interim accreditation when their current accreditation expired. Moreover, any approved and unused job tokens for these employers were rendered unusable, too.
In an attempt to address the situation, INZ offered an apology, acknowledging the inconvenience caused and assuring stakeholders that they had begun work to identify a solution as soon as they were made aware of the issue. However, the damage was already done.
Employers found themselves in limbo, unable to submit new Job Check applications. Furthermore, applications for Job Checks and Accredited Employer Work Visas lodged in the system were also unable to be approved.
The situation was further exacerbated by the fact that this issue affected accreditation renewal applications made in the days before the accreditation expired based on another INZ communique that encouraged all employers and their advisers to apply to renew their accreditation at least six weeks before it expires. The INZ said that the necessary checks could not be completed to grant interim accreditation before the expiry date, leaving many employers and migrant workers in a precarious situation.
On July 16, 2024, INZ once again issued a media communication stating that the IT issue remained unresolved and that they were still working on it. They mentioned that an IT solution was being tested to grant interim accreditation to those eligible and restore job tokens for employers with a gap in their accreditation.
While these updates provided some hope, they also raised significant stakeholder questions. Why did it come to this? INZ had two years to anticipate and address these issues, yet the problem remains unresolved. Why must the stakeholders always bear the brunt of INZ's lackadaisical approach?
Impact on NZ Business Owners
For NZ business owners, especially those relying on migrant workers, this issue could not have come at a worse time. With the global economy recovering from the pandemic, labour shortages are already a significant challenge. The inability to secure the necessary job tokens and work visas further hampers their ability to operate efficiently.
Impact on Migrant Workers
Migrant workers, who have been essential in sustaining various industries in New Zealand, find themselves in a state of uncertainty. Many have built their lives here, contributing to the economy and community. The delay in processing their visas and job checks puts their livelihood and stability at risk.
Impact on Accredited Employers Work Visa Holders
Accredited employers who have complied with all regulations and requirements suddenly find themselves unable to proceed with their operations smoothly. The expiration of job tokens and the inability to submit new applications creates an administrative and operational nightmare.
The Need for Accountability
This situation highlights the need for accountability and efficient management within INZ. Government departments must anticipate potential issues and have contingency plans in place. The stakeholders, who play a vital role in the economy, should not have to bear the consequences of such oversights.
Moving Forward
While INZ is working on resolving the issue, it is essential for them to engage with stakeholders transparently. Providing regular updates and clear timelines for resolution can help alleviate some anxiety. More importantly, there needs to be a thorough investigation into why this issue was not anticipated and addressed earlier.
In conclusion, the current predicament faced by NZ business owners, migrant workers, and accredited employers highlights a significant lapse in NZ's IT-related processes. It is imperative for INZ to not only resolve the current issue promptly but also to implement measures that prevent such situations in the future. The stakeholders deserve better, and it is high time that INZ steps up to ensure a more reliable and efficient system moving forward.
(Colonel Himanshu Rai (retd) is a former Indian Army officer, now CEO and Director at Auckland-based Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd)
The views in this column are the author's own and not The Indian Weekender's