The Government has committed funding and resources to provide temporary support to migrant workers who have said they had been exploited while holding Accredited Employer Work Visas and are currently living in overcrowded accommodation.

"We are ensuring the immediate welfare needs of this group of Indian and Bangladeshi nationals are being met by providing temporary accommodation and a basic allowance" says Steve Watson, General Manager, Immigration Compliance and Investigations.

The interim package of support will be provided to the group of identified migrants and includes:

• Accommodation in a motel
• Approximately $220 per person, per week of living cost support payments in the form of a payment card.

Government agencies have been providing support to these migrant workers since Immigration New Zealand (INZ) became aware of their situation on 13 August.

Examples include:

• INZ is providing individual information packs for each migrant detailing their visa options if their preference is to stay in New Zealand
• MSD is providing multiple job opportunity workshops and has engaged with the majority of these migrants
• The Ministry for Ethnic Communities is working with community leaders and potential stakeholders who can provide mental health support in the region.

"The Government is concerned about these cases of migrant workers in difficult circumstances, we take their wellbeing and any allegations of migrant exploitation and fraud seriously" Mr Watson says.