New Zealand Cracks Down on Exploiters: Major Operation Targets Organised Crime and Migrant Abuse

Auckland, NZ – Organised crime groups preying on vulnerable migrants in New Zealand are facing a fierce crackdown following a intensive three-month operation led by Immigration New Zealand’s Compliance and Investigations, and Risk and Verification teams. These ruthless syndicates, linked to larger criminal networks, have been exposed for forcing migrants into illegal activities, including the setup of sophisticated indoor cannabis growing operations in residential homes.

Steve Watson, General Manager of Immigration Compliance and Investigations, issued a stern warning to those who exploit. He confirmed that these criminal enterprises directly leveraged the desperation of individuals, coercing them into illicit schemes. The operation meticulously investigated 38 companies, rooting out those failing to meet their immigration and employment obligations, sending a clear message that such exploitation will not be tolerated.

The consequences for those engaged in exploitation and non-compliance have been swift and severe. The operation has resulted in 16 infringement notices slapped on companies for illegal employment practices. Furthermore, 38 deportation liability notices were issued to individuals unlawfully in New Zealand or violating their visa conditions, with two already having left the country. In a move to prevent future exploitation, Immigration New Zealand also cancelled 62 visas for individuals offshore and a further eight at the border, while 8 passengers were immediately offloaded from flights bound for New Zealand.

“We are sending an unequivocal message: exploiting vulnerable migrants will not be tolerated,” Mr. Watson declared. “Disrupting this activity now is paramount to preventing further harm and protecting those targeted by unscrupulous employers.” He added that intelligence gathered has been shared across MBIE and with other government agencies, ensuring that all forms of non-compliance and criminal offending are pursued aggressively. “This operation stands as a testament to cross-government resolve in upholding the integrity of our immigration system and holding those who flout the law fully accountable.”

While many of the affected migrants were from the Vietnamese community, Immigration New Zealand is committed to working with those still in the country on a case-by-case basis, assisting legitimate pathways out of New Zealand for those breaching visa conditions or here unlawfully. Immigration New Zealand and its partner agencies are unwavering in their commitment to safeguard migrant communities from predatory employers. Mr. Watson reiterated a critical warning to all migrant workers: “If you are pressured to pay substantial sums of money to an offshore agent for travel and work in New Zealand, understand that this is almost certainly part of a criminal scam. Report it immediately.”