Migrant Workers Urged to Protect Themselves from Exploitation in NZ

Migrant workers traveling to New Zealand on Accredited Employer Work Visas are being cautioned about potential exploitation. Raj Pardeep Singh, the Founder Principal of Legal Associates Barristers & Solicitors, highlighted the importance of taking precautions after representing a Pakistani woman who claimed she paid $44,000 for a beautician job but faced unfair pay.

The woman reported that she was promised $29.70 per hour at a salon in Auckland, but was allegedly instructed to repay $4 an hour in cash. Her situation worsened when the salon closed, the owners ceased communication, and the company entered liquidation. She has since been granted a Migrant Exploitation Protection Visa while investigations are ongoing.

Calls for Vigilance Among Migrants

In an interview with The Indian Weekender, Singh expressed his concern, stating, “This case is very unfortunate. People are coming overseas with the promise of being paid fairly, and not getting their hard-earned money is deeply distressing.” His sentiments echoed those of Jyotsna from the Legal Associates team, who described feeling “gutted” upon hearing the woman’s story. She emphasized the alarming trend of individuals sacrificing their savings or even selling property to pay for job prospects in New Zealand, only to find themselves exploited.

Singh advised that prospective migrant workers should conduct thorough research before committing to any employment. “Verify whether the company you’re joining is registered in New Zealand, use the power of social media, and ask questions to those already living in the country about your employer before making a final move,” he said. He underscored the necessity of consulting official channels such as Immigration New Zealand, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), and the Employment Relations Authority (ERA).

Legal and Financial Support for Victims

Legal Associates stressed the importance of using a licensed immigration adviser or lawyer, stating, “No one can ‘guarantee’ you a visa, no matter what they claim.” This caution is particularly relevant as the Pakistani woman, who previously worked in Dubai, arrived in May 2024 on an Accredited Employer Work Visa associated with Two Brothers Private Ltd. She alleged that her wages were manipulated and that she was not compensated for additional hours worked.

MBIE has confirmed that the woman was granted a Migrant Exploitation Protection Visa, acknowledging that the claims of exploitation are credible. The company in question has since been liquidated, with debts totaling $121,000 owed to Inland Revenue. The owner of the company has denied allegations of exploitation, asserting that any payments made to his wife were merely loan repayments.

The MBIE’s Labour Inspectorate is currently evaluating whether Two Brothers Private Ltd adhered to minimum employment standards. This case serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers and the critical need for them to remain vigilant in their pursuit of employment opportunities abroad.