New work-permit plan for Tongans

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33675, 26 October 1974, Page 18

New work-permit plan for Tongans

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, October 25. New Zealand is to introduce a workpermit scheme to allow Tongans to work in this country for up to six months, the Minister of Immigration (Mr Colman) announced today.

He said that Tongans selected by the Tongan Government for work in New Zealand would initially be given a permit for four months, with provision for a two-month extension. The scheme replaces the' three-month sponsored ] working-visitor scheme and is the result of discussions this week between Mr Colman and the Tongan Deputy] Prime Minister (Mr Tuita). In a joint statement, the Ministers said that the new scheme would protect Tongan workers from exploitation both in Tonga and in New Zealand. It should also overcome the difficulties which arose earlier this year under the] uncontrolled working-visitor scheme, the statement said. ] The new permit will be introduced as soon as possible, and was in the best] interests of all concerned. It] would lead progressively to improved arrangements for training and welfare. Employers wanting Tongan workers under the new scheme will sign offers of employment for a minimum of four months under the new scheme. ‘ RETURN FARES They will pay return fares, which will be recoverable — but not interest-bearing — arrange sickness insurance at their own cost, and arrange accommodation.

Employers would also see the Tongans were met on arrival in New Zealand, The Tongan Government, the statement said, would select Tongans to take up work. This would help match individual aptitudes to parI ticular jobs, and would i spread work among the vil- ! lages. i The Tongan Government I would also ensure that the ; conditions of employment hind of the permits were fully '■ understood by the workers. Familiarisation courses for : the workers would be provided by the Tongan Government prior to departure. As well as protecting workers from exploitation, the scheme — by introducing a systematic method of meeting the requirements of New Zealand employers — would ialso ensure that all parties i were protected and would avoid sudden fluctuations in ■ the available work-force. EXPERIENCE ! The communique said the scheme would allow Tongans to gain valuable experience of industrial and other types of employment. The savings remitted to Tonga by workers in this country temporarily had helped in upgrading housing and community facilities and collectively the savings had become a “vital element” in the Tongan economy.