Accredited Employers : Investigations Unveil Disturbing Trend of Migrant Worker Exploitation by in New Zealand
Migrant Worker's Tale Exposes Deepening Concerns Over Visa Exploitation in New Zealand
Accredited Employers : In a startling revelation, more than 160 accredited employers are currently under investigation by Immigration New Zealand, following numerous complaints of worker exploitation and serious breaches of the work visa scheme. The instances have raised concerns about the treatment of migrant workers and the effectiveness of the visa system. One migrant worker’s harrowing experience sheds light on the disturbing trend.
Migrant Worker’s Nightmare
A 27-year-old painter from India, known by the pseudonym Singh, recently shared his horrific ordeal with us. He came to New Zealand with dreams of earning a livelihood and contributing to the country’s workforce. However, his journey took a dark turn when he fell victim to a web of exploitation. Singh, who had paid around $20,000 for his initial visa, found himself unpaid for three weeks of work. To add insult to injury, his employer demanded an additional $20,000, threatening deportation if he failed to comply.
“I already gave my whole family’s savings and even borrowed money so I didn’t have any more to give. I was hoping to come here to earn a salary and pay that money back,” Singh said.
Desperate and trapped, Singh’s plea for mercy fell on deaf ears. When he could not produce the demanded sum, his employer and colleagues subjected him to physical assault on August 9. Left battered and bruised, Singh was abandoned at the airport, with his employers attempting to send him back to India.
His courage, however, prevailed. As his passport was handed over at the ticketing counter, Singh mustered the strength to cry out for help. The perpetrators, realizing their crimes were exposed, fled the scene, leaving Singh battered but unbowed.
An Alarming Trend of Accredited Employers
Singh’s case is not isolated. Dalijit Singh, president of The Supreme Sikh Society of NZ, revealed that the temple is witnessing about 10 similar cases of exploited migrant workers each week. This disturbing pattern has intensified since the inception of the accredited employer program, suggesting systemic flaws in the visa scheme.
Accredited Employers & Conference
At a recent conference, participants learned that migrant workers from India were allegedly being “sold” work visas for exorbitant amounts, approximately $30,000. Many applicants were deceived by unscrupulous agents who misrepresented job offers, exacerbating their vulnerability.
Immigration New Zealand Responds
Steve Watson, Head of Immigration Compliance and Investigation, highlighted the agency’s commitment to prioritizing New Zealanders for job opportunities. The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) was designed to address skill shortages, ensuring fair treatment for both migrant workers and locals. Watson acknowledged that while most employers uphold these standards, the ongoing investigations underscore the gravity of the issue.
“We are currently investigating 164 accredited employers. These investigations are in a variety of stages and we can’t comment on open investigations,” Watson stated.
Suspensions of accredited employers occur during active investigations, preventing potential non-compliance while the cases unfold. Watson emphasized the agency’s dedication to transparency and accountability for Accredited Employers.