A reminder about illegal working
Immigration New Zealand will be carrying out random work-site
inspections this year, to check for illegal workers and employment
law compliance. There is a potential fine of $10,000 if your
business is found to have a contractor or employee working
unlawfully. This is even if you understood that the person had the
correct visa. Also, having an unlawful worker, either an employee
or contractor, could stop you being able to recruit other migrants,
which is rather unhelpful in the current labour market.
Of course, most migrant workers have the correct visa and are
working lawfully. However, if a migrant gets a promotion or moves
to a new employer, he or she may first need a new work visa. Also,
often working holidaymakers accidentally work longer than
permitted. Therefore, it's important to sight original evidence
of right to work before taking someone on. It's also important
to monitor any temporary visas, to ensure that no employee
