International Students 107. Between 110,000 -116,00080 overseas students come to New Zealand to study each year. Annually, these students contribute approximately $4 billion to New Zealand’s economy81 and the Government’s Education New Zealand strategy is to continue to increase this revenue over coming years. The largest number of students come from Asia and South-East Asia. 108. There is significant anecdotal evidence and some quantitative data that suggest that International Students can face challenges in relation to realising a range of core human rights. This includes evidence that suggests international students may be at increased risk of workplace exploitation, violence and abuse and may also experience difficulties accessing adequate housing, health and social services8283. 109. The Commission has been taking a leadership role and working with the Government to improve the support frameworks for individuals who come to New Zealand on student visas in order to further their education. 110. There have been some recent initiatives, such as the development of a new International Student Wellbeing Strategy and the preparation of a draft International Education Strategy that has been released for consultation. However, the Commission remains concerned about the Government’s commitment to ensuring that there are appropriate support and pastoral frameworks in place to facilitate the safety and wellbeing of overseas students who are invited to the country. 111. Recommendation 13: That the Committee requests that the Government ensures that: (a) Appropriate frameworks and mechanisms are in place to support the safety and wellbeing of international students; and 80 https://enz.govt.nz/assets/Uploads/The-Economic-Impact-of-International-Education-in-New-Zealand-20152016.pdf page 5 81 Ibid, page 1 82 See the following media reports - http://www.pathwaysnz.com/news/exploitation-risk-for-students-with-bigdebts/; http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11548482; http://thewireless.co.nz/articles/left-without-a-choice-how-international-students-are-exploited-in-new-zealand 83 See also Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment, Vulnerable Temporary Migrant Workers: Hospitality Industry, August 2015, p 7,8 35,38, 40 43; accessed http://www.mbie.govt.nz/publicationsresearch/research/migrants---settlement/vulnerable-temporary-migrant-workers-hospitality-industry2015.pdf/view?searchterm=temporary%20migrant%20 26