New Funding To Combat Migrant Exploitation
Budget 2026 allocates $18 million to combat migrant exploitation and immigration non-compliance, funding new frontline teams to investigate serious cases and protect vulnerable individuals.
What changed
- Government investing $18 million over four years to strengthen response to migrant exploitation.
- Three new frontline teams will be established to investigate serious offending and protect vulnerable migrants.
- Increased resources aim to reduce delays in responding to exploitation, employer misconduct, and visa breaches.
- The funding also supports enforcement of the maximum continuous stay (MCS) for temporary work visa holders.
Who this affects
This directly affects temporary work visa holders, those experiencing or witnessing migrant exploitation, and individuals subject to immigration non-compliance or deportation liability. Employers of temporary migrants will also face increased scrutiny.
What you should do
If you are on a temporary work visa, understand your visa conditions and the maximum continuous stay rules. If you or someone you know is experiencing exploitation, report it to Immigration New Zealand or the Labour Inspectorate. Be aware that enforcement of immigration and labour standards is increasing.
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Check your eligibility dateOriginal source: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/more-resources-combat-migrant-exploitation
This summary is an AI-assisted plain-English rewrite of an official NZ Government press release for general guidance only. Always check the official source before acting on your visa or citizenship application.