New Zealand is strengthening protections for migrant workers through its employment infringement scheme, launched in April 2024. Administered by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) in partnership with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), the program penalizes employers who violate immigration laws and visa conditions, promoting compliance and fair treatment at work.
The scheme was introduced under the Worker Protection (Migrant and Other Employees) Act and allows INZ to quickly issue fines and impose stand-down periods on non-compliant employers. These measures are designed to address lower-level offences efficiently, avoiding lengthy criminal or civil proceedings.
Employers may receive infringement notices for a range of violations. Common offences include hiring workers who are not legally allowed to work under the Immigration Act 2009, breaching visa conditions such as permitted work type or hours, or failing to provide requested documents to immigration officials within ten working days.
Penalties under the scheme vary based on the employer type. Individual employers can face fines of NZD 1,000, while companies may be fined NZD 3,000. Employers may also face a stand-down period during which they cannot sponsor new visa applications. The first notice results in a six-month stand-down, with additional notices extending the period up to 12 months. Employers may also lose accreditation under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) system or the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.
Transparency is central to the scheme. Employers receiving infringement notices are publicly listed on the INZ website, enabling workers to identify which businesses are barred from sponsoring visas. This naming-and-shaming approach is aimed at deterring non-compliance and protecting vulnerable migrant employees.
Employers have the right to dispute infringement notices. Options include requesting a court hearing, contesting the fine amount, or seeking an internal review or reconsideration of the notice.
Since its launch, the scheme has been actively enforced. Between April 2024 and April 2025, INZ issued 121 infringement notices to 118 employers, resulting in NZD 363,000 in penalties. This represents a significant increase from the 2023/24 financial year, when penalties totalled NZD 63,000.
The infringement scheme is a critical tool in New Zealand’s immigration and labour framework. By imposing swift penalties and making employer information public, INZ aims to protect migrant workers, deter exploitation, and ensure that businesses comply with immigration and labour laws.