Newshub can reveal that children have continued to enter the country on visas since the Zilka allegations surfaced. Between January 2023 and March this year, 93 children under the age of 18 were granted work visas.
Thirteen had entertainment work visas. Those who obtained work visas were only nine years old.
Mr Stanford said there was no investigation currently underway, but the Green Party was calling for the government to act now to reduce the risk of exploitation.
“Successive governments have tolerated child labor in Aotearoa. Erica Stanford needs to intervene immediately and end current practices that put minors at risk of exploitation,” Green Party immigration spokesperson Ricardo Menendez said.・Mr. March said.
Stanford University needed a question from Newshub to receive clarification.
“I have a really busy work schedule,” she said. “I understand the details of that, as I have sought advice on that since your request and have just received some notes.”
Meanwhile, Mr Menendez-March is calling on the government to “undertake a complete review of visas to ensure that no child comes to Aotearoa at risk of exploitation”.
Immigration New Zealand said in a statement that it “takes great care” when reviewing work visas for entertainers involving children under the age of 18 and, with the exception of those related to Phoenix Entertainment, “has been working since 2010. “No visas approved in the United States have been canceled as a result of exploitation of minors.” (Jirka Circus)”.
“It may be noted that none of the 13 children under the age of 18 had their entertainment work visas approved between January 1, 2023 and March 7, 2024 and were not involved in any Zirka Circus work. “It’s important. Most of our children work in film and television as dancers and actors,” said Immigration Policy Manager Polly Vowles.
“MBIE (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) is working with ministers to finalize the labor plan for this term, including whether to review child labor rights settings.
“I have more to say.
“Decisions to change policies or visa settings are a government matter.”
