A three-month government operation has led to multiple enforcement actions against companies and individuals involved in breaching immigration and employment rules in New Zealand. Authorities focused on disrupting illegal activity linked to organised crime groups that exploit migrant workers.
According to Immigration New Zealand, the effort involved teams from Immigration Compliance and Investigations, as well as Risk and Verification. These groups worked together to investigate and monitor non-compliance with visa conditions and employment laws.
Operation Targets Organised Crime and Exploitation
The operation identified links between criminal groups and migrant exploitation, particularly the use of migrant workers in illegal cannabis-growing operations. Steve Watson, General Manager of Immigration Compliance and Investigations, said that criminal syndicates had used migrants to maintain indoor cannabis-growing setups in residential properties.
“Disrupting this activity now is key to preventing further harm and vulnerable migrants being exploited by unscrupulous employers,” said Watson.
The operation led to checks on thirty-eight companies suspected of violating immigration and employment rules. As a result, fourteen companies were issued infringement notices for employing staff in ways that violated the conditions of their work visas. Two more notices are pending.
Visa Breaches and Deportation Actions Follow Investigations
Immigration officers issued thirty-eight deportation liability notices to individuals who were either in New Zealand unlawfully or had breached the conditions of their visas. Two people left the country voluntarily after being found to be in New Zealand unlawfully.
In addition, sixty-two visas were cancelled for people not currently in New Zealand. Another 8 visas were cancelled at the border when passengers attempted to enter the country. Eight individuals were offloaded from flights bound for New Zealand during the operation.
“This operation is an excellent example of cooperation across Government agencies, working together to ensure that the integrity of the immigration system is upheld and those who do not meet their obligations are held to account,” Watson said.
Support and Case-by-Case Approach for Affected Migrants
Many of the affected individuals were identified as being from the Vietnamese community. Immigration New Zealand stated that it will work with migrants who are still in the country on a case-by-case basis. Those who have breached their visa conditions or are in the country unlawfully will be assisted with their return home.
MBIE (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment), Immigration New Zealand, and partner agencies are focused on protecting migrant communities from employers who take advantage of work visa conditions.
“Migrant workers need to be aware of those who may seek to exploit them,” Watson said. “If you are asked to pay large amounts of money to an offshore agent to travel and work in New Zealand, it is highly likely that this is part of a scam.”
Advice and Reporting Channels for Migrants and Communities
Immigration New Zealand continues to encourage all migrants and community members to report suspected illegal activity. Individuals can contact the New Zealand Police by calling 111 for emergencies or 105 for non-emergencies. Anonymous reports can be made to Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111.
Concerns about immigration breaches or migrant exploitation can also be reported to MBIE by calling 0800 20 90 20.
Information about worker rights in New Zealand and how to access Licensed Immigration Advisers is available in multiple languages to support migrant communities.
Authorities emphasised that ongoing cooperation between government departments and communities is key to preventing the exploitation of migrant workers and maintaining the integrity of New Zealand’s immigration system.
