Dave Ananth
Auckland, February 4, 2024
Three migrants from Pakistan who sought opportunities in New Zealand were exploited and defrauded by their accredited employer, highlighting the pervasive issue of migrant exploitation in the country.
The victims, each paying between $25,000 and $35,000, believed that they were securing a three-year work visa with full-time employment. However, upon arrival, they discovered that they had been deceived into obtaining only a six-month Recovery Work Visa, with the promise of a three-year work visa contingent on an additional payment of $15,000.
Fraudulent demand and abuse
The exploited migrants faced a series of abuses and injustices. They were not provided with adequate work, denied employment contracts, and coerced into signing a document falsely stating that they had never paid any money to their employer. Refusing to comply with this fraudulent request led to verbal abuse, and they were forcibly evicted from their rented accommodations, as their employer also served as their landlord.
The victims have sought legal representation in their pursuit of justice.
As Special Counsel at Stace Hammond Lawyers, I now represent them.
I have come across cases like this more often than before.
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Migrants come here based on the hope and trust, that people acting for them, act in their best interest. Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous agents and advisors who prey on the vulnerable. One of the victims told us that, ‘they told different things to us in Pakistan and different things here” and that “we all begged the employer so much stopping short of touching his feet, but he did not care about our problems.”
Hardships back home
Behind these victims stand families and friends who, in a bid to support their pursuit of a better future in New Zealand, have loaned them money and even sold off assets.
This underscores the significant sacrifices made by those close to the victims, who believed in the promise of a brighter future for their loved ones.
Pam Louis, Immigration Legal Administrator, assisting the case said, ‘They do not have intention to apply for residence, but work legally, save money, and return home. That is now not possible, and they have to return home empty-handed and in enormous debt because of scams perpetuated by some agents.
Stace Hammond Lawyers is dedicated to promoting fair labour practices, protecting the rights of workers, and advocating for policy changes that ensure a just and equitable working environment for all. With a mission to eradicate exploitation and fraud in the workplace, Stace Hammond remains committed to supporting victims and bringing attention to the pressing issues faced by migrant workers, taking on work on a pro bono basis, as their community engagement.
This distressing incident sheds light on the need for stronger safeguards to protect migrant workers in New Zealand. The government and regulatory bodies must address gaps in the system that enable unscrupulous employers to exploit vulnerable individuals seeking a better life. The victims, their families, and countless others who may be facing similar problems, cannot continuously face issues like this in New Zealand creating a bad impression for the country.
Dave Ananth is Special Counsel at Stace Hammond Lawyers based in Auckland. He is also a member of the Indian Newslink Legal Panel and President of the New Zealand Malaysian Business Association based in Auckland.
