Issue 2 - What to do if you are an exploited migrant worker.
24 June, 2025
GO TO ERNZ's MAIN SITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT US
If you think you are being exploited as a migrant employee, it is important to report your experience to Immigration New Zealand. To report migrant exploitation in New Zealand, contact Employment New Zealand by phone at 0800 200 088 or through their online form. If you are in immediate physical danger, call 111 and ask for the Police.
Reporting Options:
- Online Form: Complete the "Get Help" form on the Employment New Zealand website.
- Phone: Call 0800 200 088. The contact center is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:30 pm.
- Language Assistance: If you need to speak to someone in your language, call 0800 200 088 and request an interpreter. Over 180 languages are supported.
If you want to attempt to recover wages or other money due to you (like holiday pay or pay for Public Holidays you worked but were not paid for), you will need to initiate mediation or an application to the Employment Relations Authority. To do this, you will probably need our help to manage the process for you, and you will need supporting evidence, which may include:
- Audio recordings of your employer admitting you are owed money, or talking about you needing to pay them money to secure your employment or ongoing employment.
- Text messages or WhatsApp messages (in English) of your employer demanding money or refusing to pay you what you are owed.
- Copies of timesheets or messages proving the hours you worked.
- Copies of any payslips your employer issued to you.
- Copies of all bank statements for accounts you have in New Zealand. Get the bank to print these out for you.
- Copies of your summary of earnings from Inland Revenue. You can create an account at ird.govt.nz to login and print this information yourself.
- A written summary from you detailing how you got your job and everything that has happened to you that you are complaining about.
It is important that you understand that ERNZ Consultants can only help you with your complaint in an employment law capacity - we cannot give you immigration advice or assist you to apply for a temporary Migrant Exploitation visa. You will need to speak with an Immigration lawyer or advisor for all assistance with immigration matters.
Contact ERNZ immediately if you think you might be a victim of migrant exploitation.