# Migrant Workers Association welcomes NZ First policy shift

> Migrant advocacy group says NZ First adopted its policy to end migrant worker employer ties.
- Title: Migrant Workers Association welcomes NZ First policy shift
- Summary: Migrant advocacy group says NZ First adopted its policy to end migrant worker employer ties. Migrant Workers Association says NZ First's policy change allows…
- Keywords: migrant workers association, nz first, winston peters, shane jones, accredited employer work visa, migrant exploitation, politics, news, Migrant, Workers, Association, welcomes
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/politics_election-2026/1940991/migrant-advocacy-group-says-nz-first-has-adopted-its-policy
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-10-15T16:22:54+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: migrant workers association, nz first, winston peters, shane jones, accredited employer work visa, migrant exploitation, politics, news
## Policy change announced
Migrant Workers Association says NZ First adopted its policy to end migrant worker employer ties.
## Policy aims to reduce exploitation
The policy allows workers to move from exploitative jobs by ending ties to single employers.
## Concerns about party's racism
Association president Anu Kaloti says NZ First's policy won't address party leader Winston Peters' racist remarks about Indian and Chinese migrants.
## Kaloti's call for unionisation
Kaloti suggests mandatory unionisation of migrant workers should be trialled to protect against exploitation.
## Businesses need immigration certainty
Immigration adviser Arunima Dhingra says overhauling immigration system every election cycle would harm businesses and migrants.
## Peters' policy rationale
Winston Peters says current work visas are used for recruitment, family members, or exploitation of staff.
## Policy limitations
Kaloti says NZ First's policy won't reverse voters' unhappiness with Peters' racism and xenophobia.
## Key takeaway

Migrant Workers Association says NZ First's policy change allows workers to move from exploitative jobs but warns it won't address party leader Winston Peters' racism.