Migrant Workers in New Zealand Urged to Guard Against Exploitation

Migrant workers arriving in New Zealand on Accredited Employer Work Visas are being cautioned about potential exploitation. Raj Pardeep Singh, the Founder Principal of Legal Associates Barristers & Solicitors, has called for increased vigilance among these individuals following the troubling case of a Pakistani woman. She reportedly paid $44,000 to secure a beautician position in Auckland but alleges she was underpaid and exploited.

In an interview with The Indian Weekender, Singh expressed concern over the situation, 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.”

The woman, who claimed to have been promised $29.70 per hour, alleged that she was instructed to repay $4 per hour in cash. The salon where she worked subsequently closed, leaving her without recourse, and the company has since entered liquidation. While authorities investigate, she has been granted a Migrant Exploitation Protection Visa.

Red Flags and Precautions for Migrants

Jyotsna, a member of Singh’s legal team, recounted her first interaction with the woman, saying she felt “gutted” by the story. “I knew straight away that she needed help, and Raj was quick to step in and support her,” she noted. Jyotsna emphasized that requests for large sums of money to secure employment or visas should raise immediate concerns.

“We see far too many heartbreaking cases where people have sold their land, taken out loans, or given up everything just to pay someone promising them a job in New Zealand—only to end up exploited or with nothing.”

Singh urged prospective migrant workers to conduct thorough background checks on potential employers before making significant commitments. He suggested that individuals verify whether the company is registered in New Zealand, utilize social media for information, and consult with those already residing in the country about their experiences with the employer.

“Always check with Immigration New Zealand, and use official channels such as the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) for research,” he added. Singh emphasized that these steps can prevent substantial financial and emotional distress for migrant workers.

Government Response and Ongoing Investigations

Legal Associates highlighted the necessity for migrants to engage licensed immigration advisers or lawyers to verify the legitimacy of both job offers and employers. “No one can ‘guarantee’ you a visa, no matter what they claim,” the firm stated.

According to Stuff, the Pakistani woman had previously worked in Dubai and arrived in New Zealand in May 2024 on an Accredited Employer Work Visa tied to Two Brothers Private Ltd. She alleges that, in addition to wage repayment, she was not compensated for extra hours worked.

MBIE confirmed that it has issued her a Migrant Exploitation Protection Visa, stating it is “credible that exploitation may have occurred.” The company has since been liquidated, with reported debts of $121,000 to Inland Revenue. The owner of the now-defunct business denied any wrongdoing, claiming that payments made to his wife were merely repayments of a loan.

MBIE’s Labour Inspectorate is currently reviewing the case to determine if the company complied with minimum employment standards. The ongoing investigation underscores the importance of vigilance among migrant workers entering the New Zealand job market, as many face significant risks of exploitation.