New Zealand : Government Uncovers Alarming Migrant Exploitation

New Zealand : In a startling revelation, the New Zealand government has admitted that it lacks a precise count of how many migrants may have fallen prey to scams orchestrated through its Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme. This admission comes amidst reports of hundreds of migrants enduring dire living conditions after investing substantial sums, often in the tens of thousands of dollars, to secure promised employment opportunities in New Zealand, which have seemingly vanished into thin air.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has taken decisive action in response to this disturbing situation, launching a comprehensive review of the AEWV program. Simultaneously, a support package has been unveiled to aid the victims of this exploitation, marking a significant step towards addressing this crisis.

The AEWV scheme grants employers accreditation to utilize the visa for hiring migrant workers for up to three years. As part of the support package, temporary funding for accommodation and essential living expenses has been made available for the victims of these scams. Additionally, exploited migrant workers will have the opportunity to apply for a Migrant Exploitation Protection Visa (MEPV), extending their stay in New Zealand while they search for employment. A free job search assistance service will also be provided to assist them in their job hunt.

However, what remains concerning is the admission by Immigration Minister Andrew Little that the government cannot accurately quantify the extent of exploitation that has occurred through this scheme. Little stated, “Not every migrant worker who claims exploitation goes onto the Migrant Exploitation Protection Visa, so I expect the number who have experienced some form of exploitation will be bigger than that.”

New Zealand & AEWV Program

The spotlight has now turned to INZ’s processes, with a review aimed at scrutinizing how the AEWV program has been implemented. Strengthening immigration rules and enhancing checks on prospective employers and individual job placements are among the measures being undertaken. Notably, the 90-day trial periods for accredited employer work visas are also being abolished, a move aimed at protecting vulnerable workers.

Minister Little offered a word of caution to those considering relocating to New Zealand for work, urging them to be vigilant. He emphasized, “If you are paying tens of thousands of dollars to come to work here, you are being scammed. That is not what it costs to get a visa to come here, so be very careful.”

While the support package has been welcomed by advocates for migrant workers, concerns persist. Faisol Miah, the secretary of the Bangladesh Skilled Migrant Association New Zealand, expressed reservations about the six-month period allotted for the MEPV, stating, “They may not be able to secure employment within six months. I don’t think six months is enough.”

Many exploited migrants find themselves in a state of shock and uncertainty, desperately seeking clarity regarding their job prospects in the wake of this crisis.

INZ is expected to conclude its review of the AEWV scheme by December, but the impact of this shocking exploitation may reverberate far beyond that timeline. The government’s commitment to rectify the situation remains under scrutiny, with the hope that meaningful change is on the horizon for vulnerable migrant workers in New Zealand.

Also Read : FTA : India Halts Free Trade Talks with Canada