Immigration New Zealand says it's looking at how it can best support hundreds of migrants who have lost their jobs with ELE Group going into receivership.
It's understood up to 1000 people were told they no longer had jobs after Deloitte receivers were appointed to take charge of the major labour hire and recruitment firm on Wednesday.
Many of those impacted were migrants whose visas were dependent on working for the group.
In a statement, Immigration New Zealand deputy chief operating officer Jeannie Melville said 261 migrant builders, labourers and carpenters had so far been indentified as working for ELE.
"We are working closely with the employer, the employees, and other interested parties to ensure these workers can remain in New Zealand lawfully and explore options for those who are still offshore."
First Union, the union representing many of the workers, earlier indicated as many as 500 affected workers were Filipinos on temporary visas, including a number still to arrive in the country.
The union's general secretary, Dennis Maga, said the news has rocked the community, especially happening just days out from Christmas.
He called on officials allow the workers to stay.
"These migrants are contributing to the NZ economy and should be allowed to continue working rather than being left in limbo just before the New Year."
=== Have you been affected? To share your story, email: corazon.miller@tvnz.co.nz
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