Overseas worker scheme benefits all

New research on the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme shows it continues to have major benefits for workers, employers and the countries involved, says Immigration Minister Nathan Guy.

“The RSE policy was designed to help with seasonal labour shortages in the horticulture and viticulture industries, and this new research by the Department of Labour shows the scheme is working well.

“Research on earnings and return rates found that the majority of new workers will return to work another season in New Zealand, many for the same employer.

“RSE workers are paid the same rate as New Zealand workers and have the same protections under law. Data shows that mean gross seasonal earnings are around NZ$12,700 per worker, most of whom spend between three and seven months working in New Zealand.

“The 2011 survey of RSE employers found that most have enjoyed better quality, more productive workers and a more stable workforce. Many say that RSE workers have helped their businesses to expand.

“At the same time it is providing valuable income, skills and experience that workers can take back to their home countries.

“Up to 8,000 overseas workers come to New Zealand under the RSE scheme every year. Employers have an obligation to get unemployed New Zealanders into jobs, but there are some industries that just cannot find enough workers, particularly at peak times.

“Up to 50,000 seasonal workers across New Zealand can be required at harvest time and RSE workers make up 6-7,000 of that, which equates to 10-15%.

The scheme could be regarded as a form of foreign aid as most of the money earned goes back to the home countries of the workers and they also gain new skills which could be of use when they go back home.

RSE is working as it was intended and it is good to have the benefits for all concerned confirmed.

However, its success does raise a question: when unemployment is as high as it is, why aren’t more locals willing and able to do this sort of work?