Actions included 38 deportation notices for people unlawfully in New Zealand or breaching visa conditions
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has issued 14 infringement notices to companies as part of its widespread crackdown on organised crime groups believed to be exploiting vulnerable migrant workers.
The three-month crackdown investigated 38 companies, with 14 infringement notices issued to those who are employing staff in a manner that is inconsistent with the work-related condition of the employee's visa.
Further two infringement notices are pending, according to INZ. Other developments from the operation include:
Steve Watson, General Manager Immigration Compliance and Investigations, said many of the migrants involved come from the Vietnamese community.
"We will work with the migrants involved with this operation that are still in New Zealand on a case-by-case basis," Watson said in a statement. "Where they are breaching their visa conditions, or are here unlawfully, they will be assisted with pathways out of the country."
The general manager said migrant workers need to be more aware of those who want to exploit them.
"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," Watson said.
The operation is part of the government's initiative to disrupt illegal activity by organised crime groups, who are reportedly exploiting migrants by making them live in residential properties to set up indoor cannabis growing systems.
"Disrupting this activity now is key to preventing further harm and vulnerable migrants being exploited by unscrupulous employers," Watson said.
Teams involved in the operation include the Immigration Compliance and Investigations, as well as the Risk and Verification teams.
"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 that do not meet their obligations are held to account."
