New Zealand's Employment Court has determined that demanding money from workers to obtain jobs in the country is unlawful, even when the payments are transferred from abroad.
The decision interprets the Wages Protection Act 1983, which forbids charging employees for work, and removes previous doubt about its reach to overseas transactions.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) says the prohibition also extends to fees paid by relatives, friends or agents on a job seeker's behalf, as well as amounts received by agents or other parties acting for employers.
INZ National Manager Risk and Verification Aaron Smith stated the ruling creates a key legal precedent to combat migrant exploitation.
He explained that migrant workers frequently pay large sums for promised jobs and residency, and the judgment clarifies that any charge for a New Zealand job is illegal, no matter where the money is sent, how much is involved, or who takes it.
Smith called on anyone who has been deceived or pressured into paying for job offers or visa assistance to report the incident.
Although INZ cannot reimburse victims of job scams, it can pursue New Zealand employers and their representatives who charge migrants for employment.
The department also urged employers and recruitment agents to maintain transparent hiring practices and follow employment legislation, including when dealing with overseas recruiters and third parties.
Smith warned that employers and agents who exploit migrant workers for profit, including through bogus job offers, will face repercussions.
