INZ has now identified 144 migrants connected to this ongoing investigation. In response to this troubling situation, the Indian High Commission in New Zealand has been actively engaged to provide support and assistance to the affected Indian immigrants
The New Zealand government has initiated a comprehensive investigation into a troubling case involving Indian and Bangladeshi nationals who arrived in the country with the promise of employment that failed to materialize, according to a report by moneycontrol.com.
This investigation was triggered on August 13, 2023, when Immigration New Zealand (INZ) discovered a group of Indian nationals residing at a property in Papakura. These individuals had entered New Zealand on Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWV) with the expectation of securing employment, but their hopes were dashed. Shockingly, they revealed that they had paid substantial sums of money for both the visa and the promised job in New Zealand. Adding to their distress, these immigrants were housed in deplorable and unsanitary conditions, which were clearly unfit for habitation. Among this group, some had been in New Zealand for several months, while others had arrived more recently.
INZ has now identified 144 migrants connected to this ongoing investigation. In response to this troubling situation, the Indian High Commission in New Zealand has been actively engaged to provide support and assistance to the affected Indian immigrants.
If you are a migrant working in New Zealand and believe that you are being subjected to exploitation or mistreatment, we strongly encourage you to reach out to Immigration New Zealand for assistance. INZ is committed to helping you take the necessary steps to address your concerns. You can report cases to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s (MBIE) contact center at 0800 20 90 20. Alternatively, reports can be made to the police or submitted anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or through the online Crimestoppers reporting form.
Green List Expansion to Include AEWV and Critical Purpose Visitor Visa Holders
Starting from September 29, 2023, New Zealand is broadening the eligibility criteria for its Green List Work to Residence visas to encompass non-Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders and Critical Purpose Visitor Visa holders with work rights. This policy change will allow all temporary work visa holders and those with work rights under Critical Purpose Visitor Visas to count their work experience towards these visas.
A standard process was implemented last year to update the median wage in the immigration system every February. This schedule allows businesses approximately six months to prepare for the change following its update by Statistics NZ
Applicants must meet specific requirements, including having accrued 2 years of work experience in a relevant role, commencing from September 29, 2021. Additionally, they must satisfy the requisite skill and wage thresholds. This alteration harmonizes the residence pathway settings with the new Skilled Migrant Category, creating a more consistent framework and simplifying the process for applicants.
Prospective applicants must also fulfill the median wage requirements and comply with standard residence prerequisites, which encompass health, character, age, and English language proficiency, as outlined by the New Zealand Immigration Service.
Changes in TAE and LTSSL Work Visa Channels
Effective August 31, 2023, Talent Accredited Employer (TAE) and Long Term Skill Shortage (LTSSL) Work visa holders who were outside New Zealand during the Covid-19 border closures will no longer be able to submit additional TAE or LTSSL applications to restart their residence pathway.
Notably, a standard process was implemented last year to update the median wage in the immigration system every February. This schedule allows businesses approximately six months to prepare for the change following its update by Statistics NZ.
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