Some foreign workers in New Zealand are allegedly being exploited in the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme, according to a recent review by the country’s Human Rights Commission.
Migrant workers in question claim to have paid thousands of dollars to employment agents but did not get the offered jobs, VisaGuide.World reports.
As cited by the Commission, workers also said they were paid poorly and lost their jobs under suspicious circumstances.
What we heard goes beyond bad employer conduct and raises real concerns that the AEWV scheme may be enabling potential human trafficking, with signs of systemic migrant exploitation and modern slavery.
A Migrant Worker Described Visa as Their Handcuffs
As further revealed, some foreigners told the Commission about having to live in poor conditions, such as living in cramped, unsanitary, unsafe housing or campgrounds without enough funds for healthy food.
Migrants also said they are afraid to pursue complaints for fear of losing their jobs and work visas. Among others, a foreigner described the visa as their handcuffs.
Many who experienced exploitation had not made complaints, and some expressed a lack of faith in the relevant authorities.
Since some workers borrowed money to pay for the “promised job”, they say that now their families in their home countries are taking the burden of debts and even facing threats from “unethical recruiters”.
Commission Recommends Government to Improve AEVW Scheme
Taking into account the issues mentioned above, the Commission has called on New Zealand’s authorities to review and improve the AEWV scheme.
Among other things, the Commission recommended introducing an end to the “tying of visas” to a certain employer.
We also need an enforceable framework for ethical recruitment, meaningful business checks, and stronger mechanisms for remedying exploitation stemming from a systemic lack of protection.
Foreign workers who are at risk or facing exploitation are encouraged to report their cases through the Employment New Zealand website or by contacting authorities.
New Zealand Introduces New Changes for Foreign Seasonal Workers
Recently, New Zealand has decided to increase the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme cap by 1,250 to tackle the demand for workers during the seasonal peaks.
The government has announced other changes, such as granting multiple-entry visas to RSE workers and abolishing the HIV screening requirement for RSE workers.
However, authorities have also decided to lift the pause on accommodation, meaning that employers can increase rents modestly.