Jail threat for New Zealand employers exploiting migrant workers

Employers who exploit foreign migrant workers will be subject to tough new penalties under a new law passed by the New Zealand Parliament on Thursday.

The Immigration Amendment Bill (No. 2) followed a spate of reports of foreign migrant workers being abused and paid below minimum wage.

"I have been concerned about reports of migrant exploitation and am confident this new legislation will make a big difference in protecting some of our most vulnerable workers," Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said in a statement.

"The fundamental principle is that migrant workers have the same employment rights as all other workers in New Zealand."

Under the new law, employers who exploit temporary workers can be jailed for up to seven years, fined up to 100,000 NZ dollars ( 76,121 U.S. dollars), or both.

The bill also introduces a new offence for employers who exploit legal temporary or unlawful workers and are reckless as to their immigration status, with penalties of up to five years in jail and a fine of up to 100,000 NZ dollars, or both.

In addition, exploitative employers who hold residence visas will also be liable for deportation if the offence was committed within 10 years of gaining residence.

"The tough penalties reflect the seriousness of such offences and reinforces that this government does not tolerate employers who exploit migrant labour for their own commercial advantage and will do everything possible to stamp out this abhorrent practice," Woodhouse said in a statement.

The bill also extends the search powers of immigration officers so they can search an employer's premises and talk to the people present to identify offending by employers. Endi