New Zealand’s Ministry of Labor and Commerce says the number is relatively low and it is unlikely Tonga will be dropped from the Recognized Seasonal Employers Scheme as a result.
Tatafu Moeaki, chief executive of Tonga’s Ministry of Labor, said 24 is a very low proportion of the thousand or so Tongans who go to New Zealand on the scheme.
But he said it was still a serious breach.
Moeaki said: “We have certain agreements with them, and not only the workers and government, but also through the understandings with the New Zealand government, that they have to strictly adhere to returning home when their tour is finished.
“So the government is fairly concerned with these breaches.”
