Today, the Government announced changes to the Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa.

Changes to Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa — Beehive.govt.nz

What is changing?

From 31 October 2024, the ability to be granted a second MEPV will be removed. This means that, if anyone has an initial MEPV, and applies for a second MEPV on or after 31 October, their application will be declined.

Migrants who have made a credible report of exploitation will still be able to be granted a MEPV of up to 6 months, or until the expiry of their current visa (whichever is lesser) to allow them to leave the exploitative situation and remain lawfully in New Zealand while they find a new job.

People whose initial MEPV expires up to and including 30 November 2024, will have until 30 October to apply for a second MEPV if they wish to do so.

Other changes include:

• clarifying that situations involving lawful employment terminations, non-payment of final wages due to liquidation and redundancies do not meet the definition of migrant exploitation
• refining the definition of migrant exploitation to specify that exploitation must be linked to a genuine employment relationship.

You can find more information on the MEPV:

Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa

These changes support the Government’s work to encourage reporting and enable migrants to leave exploitative situations and maintain the integrity of New Zealand’s immigration system.

Reporting migrant exploitation

Migrant exploitation can be reported to Employment New Zealand using their online form or by phoning them. The 0800 number is free to call from any landline or mobile in New Zealand

Reporting migrant exploitation — Employment New Zealand

Phone 0800 200 088

Migrant exploitation