The owner of an Auckland bar and restaurant has been charged following a four-month investigation into the alleged exploitation of three migrants.
A 53-year-old was arrested on November 17 after a search was carried out at a home linked to the possible migrant exploitation, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment said today in a media release.
They were charged with one count of exploitation under section 351 of the Immigration Act 2009, which carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison and/or a $100,000 fine. More charges are likely.
“Immigration New Zealand takes the protection of migrant workers seriously and we will not hesitate to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in migrant exploitation,” MBIE immigration national manager investigations, Stephanie Greathead, said in a statement following the arrest.
“No form of exploitation is acceptable in New Zealand and we encourage anyone who thinks they, or someone else, is being exploited in the workplace to contact us.”
To report a case of migrant exploitation, contact the MBIE exploitation reporting line on 0800 200 088, or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
