[ad_1]
A German backpacker fighting to allow foreign workers to stay in New Zealand has run out of options.
German backpacker Marie Bock organized a petition in the hopes that the government would extend work and holiday visas for backpackers. Source: Supplied
By Tracy Neal of rnz.co.nz
Marie Bock presented the petition to Parliament last month, hoping that more extensions would be granted to work visa holders.
Many who were unable to return home due to Covid-19 had their visas extended until September 25.
Bock hoped that the contribution of foreign workers to the seasonal workforce would convince authorities that she and others could stay longer.
Immigration New Zealand said that they must now leave the country before their visa expires, or apply for a new visa that better suits their circumstances.
“The current visa expiration for working holiday visa holders remains the same, and it was noted that many visa holders would have had their visa automatically extended until September 25, 2020 under the Notice of Management of Epidemic, “Immigration New Zealand said in a statement.
A spokesperson said that these visas allowed people to travel and work in New Zealand for a specific period of time. They did not undergo labor market tests (unlike employer-assisted work visas) to ensure that there were no New Zealanders available to fill the role they were working in.
Immigration New Zealand said that people can apply to extend their working holidays if they are currently in New Zealand on a Working Holiday visa in Canada or the UK; were citizens of the UK or Canada, or their current working holiday visa was issued for only 12 months.
“If they meet the criteria, they may be able to extend their vacation from work for up to another 11 months.
“If they do not meet the requirements for a work vacation extension, they may still be eligible for a three-month extension, if they have completed three months of seasonal work (horticulture or viticulture) while on their work vacation visa.”
Those who applied for a work and holiday visa extension were able to continue working while waiting for a decision.
Bock said he could apply for a visitor visa, but would have a difficult time meeting the financial requirement.
“You have to show $ 1000 for every month you want to stay.
“Even for me, I have to think if I want to put so much money in a country that doesn’t seem to care that much right now.”
He said it was disappointing that despite repeated attempts to contact government officials about the petition, he had not received a response.
“I’ve contacted different people, made different suggestions, but I’ve never received an update or confirmation or anything, and it’s a bit disappointing.”
Bock said he would keep trying to find an answer, until he had to leave in the next two weeks, or after a couple of months if he could get a vacation visa.
“I will continue to do everything possible for other people, not only for them, but the request was also to support the country.
“I know the government wants to protect the citizens, which is correct. I know there are a lot of unemployed, but I also think there will be a lot of job openings in farm work.”
On Friday, the government announced that it would relax the criteria for foreign workers to cross the border.
