Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Licence needed for work use Learn More

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | News Video | Crime | Employers | Housing | Immigration | Legal | Local Govt. | Maori | Welfare | Unions | Youth | Search

 

Important New Anti–Exploitation Migrant Law

The Worker Protection (Migrant and other Employees) bill is now law. It is aimed at strengthening protection for vulnerable workers in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

The legislation comes into force from the 6th January 2024 and amends the Immigration Act 2009, the Employment relations Act 2000 and the Companies Act 2024.

It introduces a penalty regime to deter non-compliance with the rights of migrant workers and obligations by employers linked to exploitation.

Exploitation includes a range of non-compliance with employer obligations including forced and people trafficking.

Employers will be required to comply Labour inspector requests within 10 days of the request. Requests may include such things as the provision of contracts and policies.

Failure to comply with Labour Inspectorate requests within the required time may result in an infringement notice being issued.

The law change empowers the High Court to disqualify a person from being a Director of a New Zealand company where there has been a conviction of exploitation under the immigration act 2009 or trafficking in persons under the Crimes act 1961.

About BuckettLaw

BuckettLaw is an employment law firm, providing expert advice and litigation services to both employers and employees for over 25 years. Our team of lawyers are thought leaders in the future of work, advising on issues like privacy, technology and AI that shape employment and workplace practices. Learn more at www.buckettlaw.co.nz.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

Featured News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.