When a work permit expires, a person may apply for a new work permit.

This is the view of the New Zealand Immigration Department which said, however this may only be subject to a labour market test to determine whether New Zealanders are available to undertake the work.

This was the comment from the department when asked by Fijivillage on whether it is now their policy not to renew the work permits of people from other countries.

New Zealand Immigration said their policy has always been based on ensuring New Zealanders have the first opportunity to take up work vacancies adding this policy has and continues to be reflected in the government's official skill shortage lists.

They say with unemployment levels in New Zealand rising as a result of the global recession there are increasing numbers of New Zealanders seeking employment.

They add as the name suggests a temporary work permit is temporary, it is issued for a limited time.

Meanwhile, there are a number of cases where not only Fiji islanders but people of other countries too, being refused an extension of their work permits, with the most recent being Fijian caregiver, Sunita Khan who was told to leave New Zealand with her family by today, after the refusal of her work permit extension application.