{"id":4453,"date":"2026-10-21T08:25:35","date_gmt":"2026-10-21T08:25:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/?p=4453"},"modified":"2026-10-21T09:04:52","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T09:04:52","slug":"new-zealand-immigration-news-court-confirms-overseas-recruitment-fees-for-job-offers-are-illegal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/new-zealand-immigration-news-court-confirms-overseas-recruitment-fees-for-job-offers-are-illegal\/","title":{"rendered":"NEW ZEALAND IMMIGRATION NEWS | COURT CONFIRMS OVERSEAS RECRUITMENT FEES FOR JOB OFFERS ARE ILLEGAL"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"4453\" class=\"elementor elementor-4453\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-486e4c8 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"486e4c8\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6f12e3b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6f12e3b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>New Zealand\u2019s 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\u2019s behalf.<\/p><p>The decision strengthens protections for migrant workers against unlawful recruitment charges and exploitative job offers.<\/p><h4>Key Immigration Updates<\/h4><ul><li><p><strong>What\u2019s new:<\/strong> The prohibition on charging workers for jobs applies even when payments take place outside New Zealand.<\/p><\/li><li><p><strong>Who may be affected:<\/strong> Migrants seeking New Zealand employment through overseas recruiters, employment agents or intermediaries.<\/p><\/li><li><p><strong>Third-party payments:<\/strong> Payments made by family members, friends or agents on behalf of a worker may also fall within the prohibition.<\/p><\/li><li><p><strong>Important warning:<\/strong> Be cautious of anyone demanding money in exchange for a genuine job offer or promising guaranteed immigration outcomes.<\/p><\/li><\/ul><h4>Separate Update: India\u2013New Zealand FTA Work Visas<\/h4><p>The India\u2013New Zealand Free Trade Agreement entered into force on 20 October 2026, introducing immigration commitments that include:<\/p><ul><li><p><strong>Temporary work visas:<\/strong> 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.<\/p><\/li><li><p><strong>Post-study work:<\/strong> Eligible Indian PhD graduates are scheduled to qualify for post-study work visas of up to four years from 16 November 2026.<\/p><\/li><li><p><strong>Residence distinction:<\/strong> The TEE visa categories are temporary work routes and do not provide a direct pathway to residence.<\/p><\/li><\/ul><p>These FTA measures are separate from the Employment Court\u2019s recruitment-fee decision.<\/p><h4>\ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddff NEW ZEALAND IMMIGRATION PROFILE ASSESSMENT<\/h4><p>If you are considering study, employer sponsorship or skilled migration to New Zealand, your occupation, experience, visa pathway, location and family circumstances can all affect the available options.<\/p><p><strong>Just &amp; True Immigration Law &amp; Services<\/strong><br \/>Immigration Lawyers | Legal Guidance | Profile Evaluation<\/p><p>\ud83d\udcde +91 96575 00008<br \/>\ud83c\udf10 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.justandtrueimmigration.com\/\">www.justandtrueimmigration.com<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>New Zealand\u2019s 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\u2019s behalf. The decision strengthens protections for migrant workers against unlawful recruitment charges [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4454,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[16,15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4453","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-country-guides","category-latest-updates"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":3278,"url":"https:\/\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/new-zealand-expands-english-language-requirements-for-work-visas\/","url_meta":{"origin":4453,"position":0},"title":"New Zealand Expands English Language Requirements for Work Visas","author":"Just &amp; True","date":"June 1, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"New Zealand has introduced an important immigration change in 2026 that will affect many foreign workers planning to apply under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that English language requirements will now extend to ANZSCO Skill Level 3 occupations, significantly expanding the number\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/New_Zealand_visa_English_require%E2%80%A6_202606011040.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/New_Zealand_visa_English_require%E2%80%A6_202606011040.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/New_Zealand_visa_English_require%E2%80%A6_202606011040.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/New_Zealand_visa_English_require%E2%80%A6_202606011040.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/New_Zealand_visa_English_require%E2%80%A6_202606011040.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2465,"url":"https:\/\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/new-zealand-introduces-skilled-residence-framework-for-shortage-occupation-workers\/","url_meta":{"origin":4453,"position":1},"title":"New Zealand Introduces Skilled Residence Framework for Shortage Occupation Workers","author":"Just &amp; True","date":"January 21, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"New Zealand has taken a significant step toward strengthening its long-term workforce strategy by introducing a Skilled Residence Framework that directly links employment in shortage occupations with eligibility for residence. This move reflects the country\u2019s evolving immigration priorities\u2014shifting from short-term labour solutions to a more sustainable, skills-driven migration model.As global\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"New Zealand introduces a Skilled Residence Framework offering a clear residency pathway for shortage occupation workers across healthcare, construction, and technical sectors.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Whatsp-update-17-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Whatsp-update-17-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Whatsp-update-17-1.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Whatsp-update-17-1.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3594,"url":"https:\/\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/singapore-immigration-rules-explained-what-travelers-and-workers-need-to-know\/","url_meta":{"origin":4453,"position":2},"title":"Singapore Immigration Rules Explained: What Travelers and Workers Need to Know","author":"Just &amp; True","date":"June 24, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Singapore continues to strengthen its position as one of the world's leading destinations for skilled professionals, international businesses, students, and long-term residents. While the country remains open to global talent, immigration authorities are placing greater emphasis on compliance, accurate documentation, and efficient border management.For individuals planning to visit, work, or\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Jobs Information&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Jobs Information","link":"https:\/\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/category\/jobs-information\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Singapore Immigration Rules Explained just & true immigration law and services update","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Singapore-Immigration-Rules-Explained-just-true-immigration-law-and-services-update-scaled.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Singapore-Immigration-Rules-Explained-just-true-immigration-law-and-services-update-scaled.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Singapore-Immigration-Rules-Explained-just-true-immigration-law-and-services-update-scaled.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Singapore-Immigration-Rules-Explained-just-true-immigration-law-and-services-update-scaled.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Singapore-Immigration-Rules-Explained-just-true-immigration-law-and-services-update-scaled.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Singapore-Immigration-Rules-Explained-just-true-immigration-law-and-services-update-scaled.jpeg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3578,"url":"https:\/\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/global-immigration-alert-major-updates-from-new-zealand-usa-uk\/","url_meta":{"origin":4453,"position":3},"title":"Global Immigration Alert: Major Updates from New Zealand, USA &amp; UK","author":"Just &amp; True","date":"June 20, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Immigration policies continue to evolve across major destinations, and staying informed has never been more important. Recent announcements from New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom highlight how governments are refining immigration systems, tightening compliance measures, and introducing new rules that could directly impact applicants, workers, students, and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Latest Updates&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Latest Updates","link":"https:\/\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/category\/latest-updates\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"New Zealand Upadate Just & True immigration law and services","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/New-Zealand-Upadate-Just-True-immigration-law-and-services.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/New-Zealand-Upadate-Just-True-immigration-law-and-services.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/New-Zealand-Upadate-Just-True-immigration-law-and-services.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/New-Zealand-Upadate-Just-True-immigration-law-and-services.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/New-Zealand-Upadate-Just-True-immigration-law-and-services.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/New-Zealand-Upadate-Just-True-immigration-law-and-services.jpeg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2383,"url":"https:\/\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/new-zealand-skilled-migrant-category-2026-key-changes-pathways-benefits\/","url_meta":{"origin":4453,"position":4},"title":"New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category 2026: Key Changes, Pathways &amp; Benefits","author":"Just &amp; True","date":"January 7, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"New Zealand has announced major reforms to its Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa, effective from 2026. These changes are designed to make residence more accessible for genuine skilled workers, tradespeople, and international graduates while continuing to protect opportunities for local workers. For many applicants from India and other countries,\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","block_context":{"text":"Similar post","link":""},"img":{"alt_text":"Harbour skyline with a national flag overlooking a modern city, symbolizing skilled migration opportunities and international career pathways in New Zealand.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2eaf8f0e0b3bee8938518c5a1a5bf788.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2eaf8f0e0b3bee8938518c5a1a5bf788.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2eaf8f0e0b3bee8938518c5a1a5bf788.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2eaf8f0e0b3bee8938518c5a1a5bf788.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/2eaf8f0e0b3bee8938518c5a1a5bf788.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3146,"url":"https:\/\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/uk-certificate-of-sponsorship-cos-rule-changes-what-skilled-workers-employers-must-know\/","url_meta":{"origin":4453,"position":5},"title":"UK Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) Rule Changes: What Skilled Workers &amp; Employers Must Know","author":"Just &amp; True","date":"May 16, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"The United Kingdom has introduced significant reforms to its Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) framework, bringing stricter eligibility standards and tighter compliance measures for both employers and migrant workers.Effective from 08 April 2026, these changes reshape how Skilled Worker sponsorship operates across multiple sectors, particularly impacting job switching, salary compliance, sponsorship\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Latest Updates&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Latest Updates","link":"https:\/\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/category\/latest-updates\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/UK-Certificate-of-Sponsorship-CoS-Rule-Changes-just-true-immigration-law-and-services.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/UK-Certificate-of-Sponsorship-CoS-Rule-Changes-just-true-immigration-law-and-services.jpeg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/UK-Certificate-of-Sponsorship-CoS-Rule-Changes-just-true-immigration-law-and-services.jpeg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/UK-Certificate-of-Sponsorship-CoS-Rule-Changes-just-true-immigration-law-and-services.jpeg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/UK-Certificate-of-Sponsorship-CoS-Rule-Changes-just-true-immigration-law-and-services.jpeg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/New_Zealand_recruitment_fees_ill\u2026_2K_20261021113051-scaled.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4453","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4453"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4453\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4458,"href":"https:\/\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4453\/revisions\/4458"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4454"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4453"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4453"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justandtrueimmigration.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4453"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}