Migrant workers unable to leave
ALEJANDRO Vigna is a migrant worker in Wanaka who would love to go home to Argentina.
But his question is: How? In recent days, both Queenstown Mayor Jim Boult and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters have suggested migrant workers go home to reduce the burden on New Zealand.
But Mr Vigna and 300 other Argentinians he knows of simply have no way of complying.
‘‘There are no flights going to Chile or Argentina.
‘‘I wish I could go home, but there is no way right now.’’
Mr Vigna has filled out a form from the Argentinian embassy and is waitlisted for a flight.
‘‘The next flight available they say probably is going to be at the end of July.
‘‘That’s the best information I’ve got, but it’s not official.’’
The embassy did not respond to Otago Daily Times questions yesterday.
Mr Peters also did not respond yesterday, but the Government estimates there are 380,000 foreigners and migrant workers in New Zealand.
Mr Vigna arrived in New Zealand in July 2019, sponsored by Wanaka’s Edgewater Resort but was made redundant as a result of the Covid19 lockdown, and his Government job subsidy runs out early next month.
‘‘That’s the main issue right now.’’
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, in her press conference yesterday, when asked about financial support for migrant workers, said a ‘‘specific response tailored to that group’’ was needed.
‘‘There’s more work to be done there. I acknowledge there’s a gap there.’’
Mr Vigna has been applying for jobs in retail, hotels and restaurants, but apart from one day’s work yesterday, he has had ‘‘no luck yet, so far’’.
Mr Boult sympathised but pointed out the ‘‘sad reality’’ of a looming job shortage.
‘‘Unless people have surety of work, repatriation may be the best and only realistic option for people in this situation.’’
He was aware of the obstacles facing those who wanted to return to their home countries.
‘‘We continue to talk with central government about working with embassies to help foreign nationals return home. There are some positive discussions happening at present.’’
Mr Boult said the question of further welfare support ‘‘ultimately sits with central government’’.
However, Queenstown Lakes District Council staff and volunteers had put in a ‘‘massive amount of work’’ to protect those in need, he said.
‘‘ Personally, I will leave no stone unturned to ensure noone goes hungry or is without a place to live in this district.’’