A New Zealand court has fined Gaurav Batra, an Indian holding permanent residency, $13,000 and ordered him to repay $27,660 to two migrant workers for breaching immigration and employment laws. The sentencing was delivered by the Hamilton District Court on Monday, August 18, 2025, following Batra’s guilty pleas to two offences related to the mistreatment of workers.
The case centers on two migrants employed at kebab shops operated by GSK Company Limited in Hamilton. While initially hired for roles in the shops, the workers were redirected to perform cleaning tasks at multiple sites, work not permitted under the terms of their visas. Authorities found that Batra, who managed hiring, rostering, wage payments, and record-keeping for GSK, systematically underpaid the workers and misrepresented their job roles over nearly two years.
One worker was owed more than $16,100, while the other was owed over $11,550 in unpaid wages, holiday pay, and entitlements. The arrears were repaid before the court hearing, but the ruling highlighted the seriousness of the offence and the lasting impact on the workers.
“These individuals came to New Zealand seeking fair employment,” said Jason Perry, National Manager Investigations. “Instead, they were placed in roles that did not align with their visa conditions and were not paid in accordance with minimum employment standards.” Perry emphasized that the misconduct was deliberate and ongoing. “This wasn’t a one-off mistake. It was a sustained pattern of behaviour over nearly two years, hiring workers for one job, then directing them to do another, all while underpaying them and making them work excessive hours. That’s not just a number, that’s costs for daily living — rent and food, lost.”
Authorities underscored that this case serves as a warning to other employers. Employers who breach immigration and labour laws and fail to meet their obligations to migrant workers will be held accountable for the financial and personal harm they cause. “Employers must ensure they comply with all legal requirements,” Perry said.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) confirmed it will continue enforcing immigration and labour laws to prevent exploitation of migrant workers. Officials said cases like Batra’s highlight the need for vigilance to protect vulnerable workers who come to New Zealand seeking legitimate employment opportunities.
This case comes amid growing scrutiny of migrant worker exploitation in New Zealand, with authorities seeking to ensure that all employers adhere to fair labour standards and immigration regulations.