Exploited and jobless, migrant workers in New Zealand are left vulnerable after paying for visas

Numerous migrant workers from China who reportedly arrived in New Zealand with work visas – for which they paid substantial sums of money – have found themselves without jobs and in a state of extreme economic vulnerability. These individuals were enticed by the promise of permanent employment, only to face disappointment and exploitation upon arrival.

The specific number of affected workers remains unclear, but there are cases of individuals who applied for programmes such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa but failed to secure the promised job or were terminated shortly after commencing employment.

The Accredited Employer Work Visa, introduced in July of the previous year, offers immigrants the opportunity to work for an accredited employer for a minimum of 30 hours per week. Additionally, in certain cases, workers may be eligible for a Straight to Residence Visa or, after two years in the role, a Work to Residence, Highly Paid Residence Visa, or Care to Residence Visa.

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The programme was designed to combat the exploitation of immigrants, requiring companies hiring overseas workers to provide documentation demonstrating their compliance as good employers of migrants.

Several agencies, including Immigration New Zealand (INZ), the Chinese Embassy, and community services groups, have noticed the abuse of these visas. According to INZ, between August 2022 and May of the current year, a total of 63,075 visas were approved under the scheme.

Approximately 60 affected workers have connected through social media platforms to share their experiences and support one another. Moreover, according to RNZ, around 100 workers have sought assistance from a Chinese community support organisation in Auckland.

The situation highlights the exploitative practices prevalent in the international labour market, where vulnerable workers often find themselves at the mercy of unscrupulous employers.

Migrant workers, motivated by the desire to provide a better life for themselves and their families, endure arduous journeys and invest significant sums of money to secure visas for overseas employment. These visas come with hefty costs, often amounting to several thousand dollars, which translate into significant financial burdens for individuals already facing economic challenges.

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The exploitation of migrant workers arises from various factors. Some employers deceptively advertise non-existent job opportunities, making enticing promises that ultimately prove false. Others engage in visa fraud, manipulating the system to extort money from desperate workers seeking legitimate employment. Upon arrival, these workers discover the stark reality that the jobs they were promised simply do not exist, leaving them in dire circumstances.

These stories of exploitation are not isolated incidents but reflect a wider global issue. Countless migrant workers around the world fall victim to similar practices, perpetuating a system that preys on their vulnerability.

This serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stronger regulations and increased oversight to safeguard the rights and well-being of migrant workers.

Efforts must be made to protect these individuals from exploitation and ensure that they are not left without the opportunities they were promised.