Statement: On the Issue of Filipino Construction Workers in New Zealand

28 August 2018 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has been informed by the Philippine Embassy in Wellington that it has been meeting with the affected Filipino workers. The Embassy is also coordinating with Migrante Aotearoa and New Zealand trade unions to discuss and address the various concerns of Filipino workers in New Zealand.

Ambassador Jesus Gary Domingo has also engaged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and other relevant New Zealand agencies to look into crucial matters on migrant employment, workers’ rights and their fair treatment in New Zealand, pastoral care, and access to correct mechanisms and appropriate support agencies.

The Embassy has also been in close coordination with the New Zealand government on the reported exploitation of Filipino students.

Ambassador Domingo has again reminded Filipinos considering working and studying in New Zealand to make sure that the offers and promises are genuine and not misleading. END