Each year thousands of people arrive, to make Aotearoa New Zealand their home. Our current immigration system is recognised as being progressive and carefully balances the protection of human rights with border control and security. During 2013, major changes to the immigration system were set out, as well as changes to the way newcomers are supported as they settle into their new life in New Zealand. Migration trends The latest migration figures35 reveal there were more people arriving in Aotearoa New Zealand than leaving in the year to June 2013. There was a net migration gain of 7900 compared with a net migration loss of 3200 the previous year. A total of 38,961 people were approved for residence, down 4 per cent from the previous year. Most permanent migrants to Aotearoa New Zealand came from China (15 per cent), just ahead of the United Kingdom and India (13 per cent each). This means that more than one in four permanent resident migrants now comes from either India or China. Migration plays an important role in the New Zealand labour market. In Canterbury there continues to be a significant demand for migrant workers. Since July 2011, over 1700 visas were granted to people coming specifically for earthquake-related work. As the rebuild picks up pace, more migrants from both within New Zealand and overseas will make Canterbury their home. The majority of Canterbury’s migrant workers are from the Philippines, followed by workers from the United Kingdom and Ireland. In 2012−13, 64,232 international students were approved to study in Aotearoa New Zealand, down 4 per cent from the previous year. The largest source countries of students were China (27 per cent), India (13 per cent) and South Korea (8 per cent). The number of people approved for a temporary work visa increased 5 per cent. In 2012−13 144,978 people were granted temporary work visas, up from 138,162 the previous year. Tüi Tüi Tuituiä | Race Relations in 2013 Migrant workers in Canterbur y Despite bringing much-needed skills to the region, migrant workers continue to face challenges when they arrive in Canterbury. A lack of oversight has led to the unfair treatment of some migrant workers. Employment breaches include unreasonable work hours, unpaid overtime and annual leave, non-transparent salary deductions and lack of employment agreements,while reports of wage disparities and workplace discrimination are also common. Concerns continue to be raised by migrant advocacy groups regarding the exploitation of Filipino workers. Some Filipino workers are forced by recruitment agents in the Philippines to take on high-interest loans to pay for job placements and visas. This can result in them being locked into considerable debt before arriving in New Zealand. Often unaware of their basic rights and concerned that their work visas may be cancelled, many migrant workers are afraid to raise the issue and speak out against their employers. Health and housing concerns in Christchurch are also affecting Canterbury’s migrants. Some migrant workers currently live in inadequate housing and health services are needing to keep pace with the demand for interpreters and culturally-responsive health care. Some migrants in Canterbury have also been subject to verbal and physical harassment, often fuelled by the perception that migrant workers contribute to local unemployment. Immigration Amendment Bill (No 2) The Immigration Act 2009 was introduced to ensure New Zealand complied with international obligations on migration and settlement. The 2009 Act, and New Zealand’s immigration legal system have been internationally recognised for their progressive approach toward border security and ensuring that rights are protected. 45