A new residence pathway has been announced for Ukrainians who fled the war to come to New Zealand.
Immigration Minister Andrew Little says it will provide certainty to holders of Special Ukraine Visas.
But migrants from other parts of the world are feeling forgotten.
Kiwi Ukrainians posed proudly next to our Immigration Minister Andrew Little, who on Saturday gave their community a pathway to permanently escape their war-torn country.
"What I'm announcing today is a residency visa for those who have a Special Ukraine Visa," Little said.
That two-year temporary visa was introduced by the Government in March last year.
So far, just over 1500 visas have been granted and around 340 are here right now - some are yet to arrive and some have left. The new residence pathway has an application deadline of March 15 next year.
"A huge relief for the Ukrainian community. We absolutely are appreciative and grateful," said Kate Turska, a spokesperson for volunteer group Mahi for Ukraine.
But migrants from other parts of the world are feeling defeated.
"This morning we had an announcement for Ukrainian brothers and sisters. The same can be done quite easily for the rest of us who are suffering," said Anu Kaloti, from the Migrant Workers' Association.
Protesters have gathered outside the office of Labour MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan, who is the Associate Minister for Workplace Relations, to demand better pathways to residency and end migrant exploitation.
It comes after Newshub revealed dozens of men who arrived via the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme were living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, sparking an investigation into 185 employers.
"We are asking for the practice of work visas being tied to a single employer to be stopped," said Kaloti.
They also want the visa that allows exploited migrants to find another job here to be extended beyond the current six months.
"I'm currently taking some advice on that," Little said.
"Amnesty for overstayers is another issue," Kaloti added.
"We won't be doing those things," Little said.
But at least for Ukrainians who've suffered such immeasurable loss at the hands of Russia, today was a win they could shake on.
