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Migrant Exploitation Protection Visa
The Migrant Exploitation Protection Visa (MEPV) has been created to help protect migrant workers from employers whose practices or behaviours pose a direct or indirect threat to their well-being – financially, mentally, physically and/or socially.
There have been situations where migrants, particularly those with visas that are conditional upon employment with a specific employer, have been vulnerable to abusive employer practices for fear of losing the job and putting their and their family’s ability to stay and work in NZ at risk.
Some employers breach employment, immigration or health & safety rules through omissions, errors or oversights but others practice blatant disregard for these rules and/or intentionally exploit migrant workers because they are vulnerable.
Visa Specifics
The visa is designed to allow migrant workers a ‘safe space’ to leave the employment without fear of losing lawful NZ status and to give them time to find alternative work. Importantly, it also exposes employers who undertake these practices.
- What does it allow: As an open work visa, it allows work for any employer, industry and location regardless of whether the employer is accredited and/or has a Job Check
- For Whom: Migrant workers and for those (partners & dependents) who already hold a visa based on their relationship to the person for whom the visa is granted.
- For How Long: valid for 6 months
- Other Allowances: The migrant/dependents are not required to take provide medicals or police certificates with the application
- Costs: There is no fee for this visa
What to do if you’re in this situation or think you may be
If you believe you are in the situation where you are exploited and want to apply for a MEPV, you would first report the specifics of the situation to Employment NZ who will assess the situation and verify its credibility.
All situations are evaluated. There may be some issues that are deemed minor or insignificant breaches that are not constant and easily remedied and will not be eligible for the MEPV but may be addressed with employer education or training.
If you agree to be contacted by Employment NZ, this will be done within 3 days.
You shouldn’t be scared to make a report as this visa was set up to avoid situations where you are penalised for reporting issues.
Migrants Have the Same Employment Protections as Kiwi Workers
Migrant workers are legally entitled to the same employment law protections as Kiwi workers so breaches to the related acts could be considered exploitation. These include, but aren’t limited to, the following:
- not being given an Employment Agreement (and in advance of starting work to seek independent advice)
- changes to your work that aren’t supported in that agreement (pay, position, location, hours of work)
- Not being given breaks, not being paid for leave or not even being given leave
- The employer threatens to call INZ to end your work visa
You can do that HERE or call 0800 200 088.
You can also call us at 021711071 and discuss your concerns for you or someone else on their behalf – we will not charge for this consultation or for MEPV application assistance
Example of Common Types and Situations
The types of breaches vary from potential errors or oversights on the side of the employer to blatant and intentional exploitation of workers which may include (but not be limited to) situations where an employer:
- forces a worker to do work which is not part of their job;
- requires excessive hours of work and not providing breaks, not paying for the work and/or underpaying for the work;
- requires the migrant to pay to be given a job;
- doesn’t allow the worker to leave their workplace;
- has the worker perform counter to their visa conditions;
- asks the worker to lie about their work situation;
- keeps the migrants passport;
- makes unwelcome sexual gestures towards the worker
