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Coronavirus: migrant groups warn of ‘humanitarian crisis’ in New Zealand as workers blocked from welfare benefits
- Many migrant workers on temporary visas who have lost their jobs due to Covid-19 are struggling as they are unable to access social benefits, advocates say
- Their predicament comes despite a US$30 billion spending package aimed at combating the economic effects of the coronavirus
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When IT worker Leslie Pascua arrived in New Zealand in February for a new job, she was looking forward to building a new life with her partner and son.
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The Filipino test analyst began working at an Auckland firm on February 15, but as the coronavirus crisis drove away the company’s clients, she found herself “on the bench”. By April 3, her worst fears were confirmed.
“Unfortunately, my timing coincided with the Covid-19 pandemic which resulted in my company’s decision to make me redundant,” said Pascua, who had taken a cash loan before moving to New Zealand. “I felt sad and rejected. I was afraid for my status. Would I be deported to the Philippines?”
Pascua is among many migrants on limited visas in New Zealand who have found themselves trapped in a precarious position as the country attempts to recover from the crisis.
The government on Thursday unveiled a NZ$50 billion (US$30 billion) spending package as part of the country’s 2020 budget aimed at reversing the economic downturn brought on by the pandemic.
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