Migrant worker support

Wellington: The emergency benefits for temporary visaholders will be set at the same rate as New Zealand’s main unemployment benefit.

From December, migrant workers who have lost their jobs because of the pandemic will be able to get an emergency benefit for a limited time.

Usually, people who are not residents or citizens are not eligible for support from the Ministry of Social Development.

A spokesman for Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni confirmed the amount would be the same as the jobseeker benefit.

They would not be eligible for extra support, such as the accommodation supplement or food grants.

A union for migrant workers said the Government’s announcement was a longawaited and welcome relief. — RNZ