Papatoetoe Race Relations Day celebrations. In October 2013, the Minister of Immigration introduced a bill to amend the 2009 Act. The bill aims to address gaps in compliance, to explore new technology, and to address the exploitation of migrant workers. While proposals to address worker exploitation are welcome, other changes have the potential to tilt the carefully achieved balance between rights protections and security. The Immigration Amendment Bill (No 2) will make it an offence to exploit migrants holding temporary work visas. Advocates for migrant workers have welcomed the measures, saying that a crack down on exploitation could not come soon enough. Under the Bill, employers who exploit workers could be jailed for up to seven years, fined up to $100,000 and possibly deported. Victims will be encouraged to provide evidence of exploitative workplace practices – and when assessing eligibility for a further visa, immigration officers may in certain circumstances overlook relevant periods in the victim’s immigration history where he or she may not have complied with visa conditions. The Bill also proposes amendments that will provide for enhanced search powers for immigration officers, changes to the way biometric information is collected, the use of electronic notifications and changes to the way passenger information is provided at the border. 46 A significant change proposed in the Bill will limit the ability of some individuals to review immigration decisions. The Bill makes it clear that the ability to request personal information under the Privacy Act 1993 does not apply to the reasons given for decisions made using “absolute discretion” (as defined in section 11 of the Immigration Act 2009). Until recently reasons were generally provided to ensure transparency and to respect the principles of natural justice. The Government has said the intention of the Immigration Act 2009 is to limit the rights and protections available to individuals disenfranchised from the immigration system. Changes in settlement support In 2013, the way Aotearoa New Zealand supports new migrants was put under scrutiny. Immigration New Zealand undertook reviews of the regional settlement strategies in Auckland and Wellington, as well as the nationwide Settlement Support New Zealand initiative. The Auditor-General also undertook a review to assess how well Immigration New Zealand was doing to support new migrants.36 These reviews revealed that most migrants find work and settle well in Aotearoa New Zealand and that improved central and regional coordination has led to better services

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