Fiji Workers

New Zealand

To Restrict

The flow of Fijian workers travelling to New Zealand in search of temporary jobs will be stemmed following the announce ment of new immigration control agreement between the New Zealand and Fiji Governments.

THE restrictions were imposed following a startling rise in the number of Fijians seeking employ ment in New Zealand. Applications for permits to work in NZ rose from 3,300 in 1963 to more than 12,000 in 1966.

Most of the applications have been made by Fiji-Indians, many of whom have been engaged in scrub-cutting and in working on farms.

The new agreement, which will operate from February 1, now insists that Fijians must have offers of jobs before permits will be granted.

New Zealand employers will advise the Commissioner of Labour in Suva, of temporary jobs available.

Too many illegal visitors

The NZ Minister for Immigration, Mr. Shand, said in December that the restrictions had been introduced because of the steep rise in applica tions over the past few months.

“Already there is evidence that some of the people who come here expecting to find work will be dis appointed. Furthermore, both the Fijian and NZ Governments have been greatly concerned about the numbers of visitors who remain in New Zealand illegally,” he said.

In future two types of permits— both valid for three months —would be issued. One would allow the holder to obtain temporary employ ment and the other —for businessmen and tourists —would stipulate that

they did not work while in New Zealand, Holders of the second type of permit would have to prove at the port of entry that they had £5O for each month they expected to stay in New Zealand.

Announcement of the restrictions brought criticism in the Fiji Legisla tive Council by an Opposition member, Mr. K. C, Ramrakha (Federation).

Mr. Ramrakha said the Govern ment should have taken a firmer line with New Zealand.

“I think that we should have taken a more aggressive attitude. If we are going to become a nation and if we are going to have our own dignity and self-respect, then it is time we spoke to the New Zealand authorities with a much firmer tone,” he said.

The Acting Chief Secretary, Mr.

J. S. Thomson, replied: “New Zealand is the host country, and although it is not my place to stand and defend New Zealand policy, we as a Government must respect the wishes of the host country which is receiving our people”.