A Chinese migrant worker in New Zealand has come forward with alarming allegations of fraud and exploitation. Xueshui Chi, a 44-year-old construction worker, claims that someone posing as an employment and visa agent used his personal information to fraudulently obtain over $17,000 in asylum seeker benefits without his knowledge.
Chi’s story began when he arrived in New Zealand in February 2023 on an accredited employer work visa. After losing his job as a digger operator after just two months, Chi was desperately seeking new employment opportunities. In July 2023, he reached out to an agent he found online, hoping for assistance in finding work and obtaining a new visa.
According to Chi, the agent, who used the WeChat ID “nzworker,” asked for his passport, professional certificates, and IRD number, claiming these were necessary for job applications. Chi became suspicious when the promised job didn’t materialize, but continued to hope the agent would help with his visa situation.
Chi claims he was unaware that an asylum application had been made in his name until he received an unexpected email from Immigration New Zealand in April 2024. The email sought additional information for an Asylum Seeker work visa, something Chi says he knew nothing about. When confronted, the agent allegedly showed Chi a drawer containing multiple passports, claiming experience with such applications.
The full extent of the situation only became clear to Chi in June 2024, when he hired an accountant and discovered his IRD records showed over $17,000 in benefit payments from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). Chi insists this money never reached his bank account.
MSD has confirmed that an asylum seeker benefit application was made in Chi’s name on July 24, 2023, accompanied by a request to redirect the payments. The ministry granted the benefit based on provided documentation but stopped payments in May 2024 when requested confirmation of Chi’s asylum seeker status wasn’t provided.
Chi has now filed complaints with the police, MSD, and Immigration New Zealand. His employment advocate, May Moncur, believes this isn’t an isolated case and has seen evidence suggesting dozens of other potential victims. Moncur argues that desperate migrant workers, unfamiliar with New Zealand’s systems, are particularly vulnerable to such exploitation.
This case has raised serious questions about potential loopholes in New Zealand’s asylum and benefit systems. Moncur expressed concern about how easily MSD granted these benefits without thorough checks and how multiple fraudulent applications could go undetected.
Authorities are now investigating the matter. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment confirmed they’ve received complaints and are assessing them. However, Chi and Moncur have expressed frustration at the slow pace and lack of communication from officials regarding the investigation’s progress.
Attempts by journalists to contact the alleged agent have been met with threats and warnings about privacy violations. The University of Auckland, where the agent allegedly resided, stated they have no evidence of fraudulent activities at their student accommodation but would cooperate with any official investigation.
This troubling case highlights the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers and potential weaknesses in New Zealand’s immigration and social welfare systems. As investigations continue, it serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals and prevent exploitation.