Dr Malini Yugendran
Auckland, March 21, 2023
New Zealand’s Immigration Minister Michael Wood has announced the establishment of a Migrant Community Reference Group to provide a platform for migrant communities to share their perspectives and experiences of the immigration system. The reference group, which comprises ten members from diverse backgrounds, will play a vital role in shaping the country’s immigration policy going forward. The group will provide a forum for migrant communities to directly share their views on policy issues affecting them.
Addressing Migrants’ Concerns
“Since becoming Minister, a reoccurring message I have heard from migrants is the feeling their voice has often been missing around policy discussions. Today we are providing that voice,” Minister Michael Wood said.
In response, the government has created a platform that would provide a voice to the migrant communities. “Our government values the unique perspective migrants can provide on the immigration system,” said Mr Wood. He further added, ““My medium-term priorities for the immigration system will be informed through discussions with the reference group alongside other stakeholders including employers and workers.”
A Platform for Direct Communication
The Migrant Community Reference Group aims to bridge the gap between the government and migrant communities by providing a direct communication channel. The group’s role is to provide insights on the immigration system’s impact on migrant communities and suggest policy changes that would benefit them. The group will meet every quarter to discuss issues affecting migrant communities and make recommendations to the government.
Diverse Membership
The Migrant Community Reference Group comprises ten members with diverse backgrounds and extensive experience in their respective communities. The group members are Saimoni Lealea, Dr Kelly Feng, Manisha Morar, Dr Margriet Theron, Anita Mansell, Mitchell Pham, Abdur Razzaq, Vikram Selvaraj, Lealiifanovalevale Erolia Eteuati Rooney, and Mikee Santos. Their expertise ranges from governance leadership, mental health services, community initiatives, to business activities, advocacy, and community service. The group members come highly recommended from their prior engagements across multiple government agencies, demonstrating their strong commitment to championing the cause of migrant communities in New Zealand.
The Role of the Group
The Migrant Community Reference Group will inform the immigration policy decisions of the government. The group’s recommendations may be shared with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and other government agencies to help make informed decisions. The group will supplement the government’s regular engagement with migrant communities around the country.
Membership of the group is for 12 months, after which the group’s role and function will be reviewed. The Migrant Community Reference Group’s establishment indicates the government’s commitment to ensuring the participation of all stakeholders in the policymaking process, including migrant communities.
Potential Gaps
While the establishment of the Migrant Community Reference Group is a positive step towards addressing the concerns of migrant communities in New Zealand, there are some potential gaps or drawbacks to consider:
Limited representation: The Migrant Community Reference Group comprises only ten members, which may not be fully representative of the diverse range of migrant communities in New Zealand. While the group includes members from different backgrounds and with different expertise, there may be other perspectives or experiences that are not represented in the group, for example, the asylum seekers.
Limited scope and lack of power: The group’s role is primarily advisory, and its recommendations may or may not be acted upon by the government. The group’s impact on policy decisions may, therefore, be limited, and there is a possibility that it may not lead to significant changes to the immigration system.
Short-term nature: The group’s membership is for only 12 months. This short-term nature may limit the group’s ability to achieve significant changes and ensure ongoing engagement with migrant communities.
For more information on the group, including more complete descriptions of each member, visit the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment’s website.
Dr Malini Yugendran is an Indian Newslink Reporter based in Auckland.
