PHL, NZ officials discuss OFW welfare in Christchurch amid reports of exploitation

Officials of the Philippines and New Zealand last week met to explore more ways to promote the well-being of Filipino workers, especially those involved in the rebuilding of quake-hit Christchurch.

Philippine Ambassador to New Zealand Virginia Benavidez went to Christchurch last July 22 to check on the status of Filipino workers there, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday.

She met with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and Labor Inspectorate officials in Christchurch.

"Discussions focused on the continuing action and possible steps that can be undertaken by relevant authorities both in New Zealand and in the Philippines to address concerns and resolve problems related to employment, visa status and workers’ rights," the DFA said in a statement.

With Benavidez were Philippine Honorary Consul to Christchurch Peter Wait and Third Secretary and Vice Consul Glenn Joseph Obach.

Exploitation

The visit came after New Zealand news program "3rd Degree" reported that a recruitment firm has been exploiting its Filipino laborers by allegedly employing coercive tactic to control their workers.

The non-government organization Stand Against Slavery also accused the firm, Tech5, of providing its Filipino workers with "substandard accommodation at exorbitant rates." The company has denied the accusations.

The DFA, however, did not say if the alleged exploitation was discussed in the meeting between Philippine and New Zealand officials.

Recruitment, deployment

A day before meeting with INZ and Labour Inspectorate officials, Benavidez had talks with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration.

She indicated the possibility of government-to-government agreement on the recruitment and deployment of Filipino workers to New Zealand.

While in Christchurch, Benavidez also met employment lawyer Paul Brown, who was recently involved in uplifting the conditions of Filipino workers in Christchurch.

She also met with Lana Hart, Skilled Migrant Business Services Adviser at the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce (CECC).

Benavidez and Hart discussed "ethical pathways and business models" to address the concerns of migrant workers in general and be in line with New Zealand and Philippines laws.

Mobile consular services

Meanwhile, the DFA said Benavidez will lead another mobile consular services for Filipinos in Christchurch and surrounding areas of the South Island in mid-September.

The mobile consular services will include e-Passport processing, notarial documentation, reports of birth and marriage, and overseas voters registration. —Joel Locsin/KBK, GMA News

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