Migrant Bus Drivers Face Language Hurdles for Residency in NZ

A rising number of migrant bus drivers in New Zealand are struggling to meet the country’s stringent English-language requirements for residency. Under current regulations, applicants must achieve an IELTS score of at least 6.5, or equivalent scores in alternative tests such as TOEFL iBT (79) or PTE Academic (58). Many drivers have expressed frustration over these benchmarks, stating they are unrealistic for their roles, with some contemplating a return to their home countries.

Raj, a bus driver who moved to New Zealand from Fiji in 2023, has taken the PTE Academic exam six times and the IELTS four times, spending nearly $5,000 on testing fees. Despite his efforts, he has yet to achieve the required scores. “They told me I could apply for residency after working for two years,” Raj recounted. His current visa is up for renewal in October 2023, and he struggles to understand the disparity in language requirements for visa extensions and residency applications. “I only need 4 for extension but 6.5 for residency, and I’m doing the same job,” he said.

Bhavesh, another driver who relocated in 2023, has faced similar challenges. After ten attempts at language tests, he remains unable to reach the necessary scores. He pointed out that achieving a 6.5 in IELTS is particularly difficult for bus drivers with only basic secondary education. “I work from 6 am to 6 pm every day talking to passengers,” he explained. “We help them with the ticket machine and answer their questions.”

Sunil, another driver, highlighted the financial strain these requirements impose. He has taken the exams three times and anticipates spending between $3,000 and $4,000 just for visa renewal. “Then I’ll still have to sit more English exams, which costs me again,” he said, emphasizing the burden of ongoing expenses.

Concerns from Language Experts and Immigration Advisors

Maria Treadaway, an academic English instructor at the University of Auckland, noted that the language tests are designed primarily for academic settings rather than practical workplace communication. “The exams test core skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking, but for bus drivers, the speaking and listening components are more relevant,” she stated. Treadaway suggested a lower score threshold, arguing that a 5.5 to 6 band would be more appropriate for their needs.

Arunima Dhingra, a senior licensed immigration advisor and CEO of Aims Global, echoed these sentiments, reporting an influx of calls from bus drivers struggling with the 6.5 requirement. “They cannot get their IELTS 6.5,” she said, emphasizing that the current benchmark may not be suitable for all occupations.

Community leaders have also taken notice. Krish Naidu, president of the Fiji Girmit Foundation, expressed concern over the situation. “I’ve been approached by bus drivers who feel helpless and stressed out,” he said. Naidu has reached out to the Minister of Immigration to highlight the impact of this issue on thousands of drivers nationwide.

Industry Responses and Support Initiatives

First Union’s national bus coordinator, Hayley Courtney, stated that the responsibility lies with bus companies to support their migrant employees. “If they are recruiting migrant workers, they must ensure those workers receive adequate support and education to succeed,” she said.

In response, some bus companies have implemented programs to assist their drivers. Stephen Mckeefry, chief operating officer of Kinetic New Zealand, noted that the company is working with depot managers to provide support and has been trialing an internally developed program called Language Link. Ritchies, another bus company, confirmed that they actively assist drivers with their visa and residency applications.

Raj, Bhavesh, and Sunil all advocate for changes in immigration policy to facilitate their residency applications. “It’s really hard for people like us when they are asking us to talk about England in the exam topics when we are here,” Raj said. Bhavesh and Sunil agreed, stating that their daily interactions with passengers show they do not struggle with the English language in practical contexts. “We’ve been dealing with people on the bus every day, and [English] is never a problem,” Sunil concluded.

The situation highlights a significant challenge for many migrant workers in New Zealand, as they navigate the complexities of residency requirements while striving to contribute to their local communities.