New Zealand’s Employment Court has clarified that employers and other parties cannot charge workers fees to secure employment in New Zealand, even when the payment is made overseas. The prohibition may also apply when relatives, friends or agents make payments on a worker’s behalf.
The decision strengthens protections for migrant workers against unlawful recruitment charges and exploitative job offers.
Key Immigration Updates
What’s new: The prohibition on charging workers for jobs applies even when payments take place outside New Zealand.
Who may be affected: Migrants seeking New Zealand employment through overseas recruiters, employment agents or intermediaries.
Third-party payments: Payments made by family members, friends or agents on behalf of a worker may also fall within the prohibition.
Important warning: Be cautious of anyone demanding money in exchange for a genuine job offer or promising guaranteed immigration outcomes.
Separate Update: India–New Zealand FTA Work Visas
The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement entered into force on 20 October 2026, introducing immigration commitments that include:
Temporary work visas: Two Temporary Employment Entry (TEE) visa categories for eligible Indian nationals in specified occupations, with a combined cap of up to 5,000 visa holders at a time.
Post-study work: Eligible Indian PhD graduates are scheduled to qualify for post-study work visas of up to four years from 16 November 2026.
Residence distinction: The TEE visa categories are temporary work routes and do not provide a direct pathway to residence.
These FTA measures are separate from the Employment Court’s recruitment-fee decision.
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