Migrant Workers Association welcomes NZ First visa change but questions party’s intent
NZ First's proposed work visa reform echoes longstanding advocacy proposals, though the Migrant Workers Association expresses concern about the party's recent comments on migrants.
What happened
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has proposed replacing the accredited employer work visa with a system tying visas to occupation and region rather than a specific employer. The Migrant Workers Association says this addresses a core problem it has long advocated solving: the exploitation that occurs when workers are bound to single employers. Association president Anu Kaloti welcomed the policy as a step forward but questioned NZ First's motivations given recent remarks by Peters and deputy Shane Jones about Indian and Chinese migrants that have been labelled racist. She said the policy alone would not satisfy migrant voters unless NZ First addressed what she called its racism and xenophobia. She also called for unions to play a greater role, suggesting mandatory unionisation of migrant workers should be trialled. Immigration adviser Arunima Dhingra cautioned against overhauling the immigration system every election cycle, saying businesses and migrants needed certainty. She noted the current framework already contained many safeguards NZ First was proposing, and that decoupling workers from employers after they had been through multiple hiring steps could disadvantage businesses.
Why it matters
NZ First announced 14 immigration policies on 11 September 2026, including this proposed replacement for the accredited employer work visa scheme, which was detailed on 11 October. This story shows how the party's visa proposal aligns with longstanding advocacy positions, though migrant groups remain sceptical of NZ First's broader approach to immigration policy given its leader's recent public comments.
Follow the whole thread: NZ First 2026 immigration policy
Key facts
- NZ First proposes tying work visas to occupation and region instead of specific employers
- Policy would end work visas for most retail jobs
- Migrant Workers Association has advocated similar changes for years
- Recent comments by Peters and Shane Jones on Indian and Chinese migrants were labelled racist
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What outlets are saying
Otago Daily Times
Migrant advocacy group says NZ First has adopted its policy
RNZ
Migrant advocacy group says NZ First has adopted its policy
The Migrant Workers Association says it echoes proposals from pro-migrant advocates for many years, but won't reverse some voters' unhappiness with Winston Peters' other views.