Only a few weeks ago, New Zealand was identified as the best place for British expats to make a fresh start. It didn't take long for the accolade to wear thin.
The dreams of hundreds who left for a better life on the other side of the world are now turning into nightmares.The expats face losing their jobs and being kicked out of the country because of the credit crunch and what is said to be a major shift in policy by the New Zealand government.
With unemployment at a six-year high of 5 per cent of the population of 4,300,000, tough economic times have led to jobs going to native New Zealanders first. One reason is the decision by Kiwis who have lost jobs overseas to return and seek work at home.
Employment minister Paula Bennett says more than 3,000 of the 26,000 who returned last year ended up on benefits. Jobless foreigners risk losing their work visas and having to return to Britain, with some accusing the New Zealand government of pursuing a 'jobs for Kiwis' policy.
A migrant assistance group, created by two Britons who emigrated nine years ago, has infuriated the government by issuing a pamphlet that claims the attitude of officials is: 'We've taken your money, used your skills, now b****r off!' Mike Bell, of the Move2NZ group, said: 'We are seeing families who have worked here years being effectively kicked out in two weeks. Many have existing jobs or offers of work in areas listed by immigration as being in dire shortage. Employers are tearing their hair out as there's.’ (Daily Mail)
