A survey shows New Zealand employers are reluctant to take on migrant and expatriate workers, especially if they themselves have not worked overseas.
The survey by BNZ chief economist Tony Alexander finds almost half those questioned who have never worked overseas have never hired an expatriate worker or migrant, even if they offered a much needed skill to the business.
Mr Alexander says the trend is worrying, because such employees are generally highly skilled.
The survey also shows migrant workers are reluctant to live in the provinces, preferring to work in big cities.
