Media releases
Further charges in immigration operation
23 february 2007
A fifth person has been charged during an ongoing Department of Labour operation targeting employers flouting immigration and labour laws, National Manager for Investigations Carl Manning said.
“The man, an Indian national with New Zealand residence, faces six charges under section 142(1)ea of the Immigration Act 1987. “The charges relate to assisting people to remain in New Zealand unlawfully and breach the conditions of their permits for material gain,” he said.
The man previously managed a Hawke’s Bay-based labour supply company. Charges were laid after interviews with Department staff yesterday, and he will appear in Blenheim District Court on Monday.
“These charges are part of an ongoing Department of Labour operation targeting employers assisting people to stay in New Zealand unlawfully and work for them. “The operation also focuses on people employing unlawful workers and denying them employment entitlements, such as minimum wage or holiday pay.
“This sends a clear message that we will not tolerate employers who assist people to remain in New Zealand unlawfully, or deny workers their basic rights. When we find out about such occurrences, we take action.
The charges come as the Department prepares to roll out the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme in April this year, to provide an ongoing labour supply from the Pacific to fill seasonal shortages in the horticulture and viticulture industry.
“The aim of the scheme is to encourage Pacific workers to return year after year - during which time they will increase in skill and productivity. “Employers know that the success of this scheme rests on their backs, and the majority of employers have proved through their workplace practices that they are behind it. This operation signals to pocket of employers undermining the rest of the industry that their practices are not acceptable,” he said.
ENDS
