Government announces support to better protect migrants from exploitation
The New Zealand government has taken a step in the right direction by introducing new measures to better protect migrant workers from exploitation. These include:
A new visa to support migrants to leave mistreatment and exploitative work situations quickly and remain lawfully in New Zealand. This visa will be valid for up to 6 months.
A new dedicated 0800 number and web form to make it easier to report migrant worker mistreatment or exploitation at the workplace. Anyone who sees or suspects a breach of minimum employment rights can report it. It does not have to be the migrant being exploited.
Combined efforts from Immigration New Zealand and Employment New Zealand Labour Inspectors to investigate non-compliant employers.
Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa
You can apply for this visa if you have an employer supported work visa and have reported exploitation. This visa allows you to leave your job quickly while the exploitation is being investigated.
With this visa, you can:
Leave your current job quickly.
Work anywhere in New Zealand for any employer.
Employment New Zealand - What is migrant exploitation?