From Farm Work to Citizenship: A Pinoy Family’s Success Story in New Zealand

For Melchora Camacho, it was a moment of mixed emotions, and it almost drove her to tears. After 10 years of living and working in New Zealand, she and her family became Kiwi citizens last December 8.

“Ngayon po is mixed emotions po kasi masaya talaga kami na at least, citizen na kami dito. Kanina, parang naiiyak ako kasi naano ko na finally, finally, citizen na kami dito sa New Zealand,” Mrs. Camacho said in GMA News TV’s Investigative Documentaries that aired Thursday last week.

Filipinos are the third biggest migrant group in New Zealand, where the process for bringing one’s family is relatively easier compared in other countries.

Like many Filipino immigrants in New Zealand, the Camachos worked as dairy farm workers until Melchora had to quit to take care of their children and left the dairy work to husband Donrey.

The Camachos had to work as dairy farmers to earn enough points in New Zealand’s skilled migrant category resident visa to receive permanent residency. It took five years before they were allowed to apply for citizenship.

“Ang lahat ng country kasama na ang New Zealand, kapag tumanggap sila ng mamamayan, of course gusto nila skilled,” said Alfeo Salcedo, a registered migration agent with One Vine, an agency that helps and guides Filipinos through the entire immigration process in New Zealand.

“‘Pag sinabi nilang skilled, hindi lang basta skilled, highly skilled. So kung mayroon kang trabaho o profession, kailangang magaling ka sa profession na iyon,” he added

Immigration New Zealand has a list of fact sheets for different kinds of visas. It also has lists of short- and long-term skill shortages enumerating jobs which Filipinos can apply for to qualify for the skilled migrant category. —Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News

(Source: GMAnetwork.com)