The New Zealand government has launched an extensive investigation into the alleged exploitation of 115 Indian and Bangladeshi nationals who were promised employment but were left without any work upon arrival. These individuals were placed in inadequate and unsanitary living conditions, as reported by New Zealand immigration.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has initiated an in-depth and comprehensive investigation into the matter. According to the immigration authority, their investigators have already spoken with the affected individuals who arrived in New Zealand on Accredited Employment Work Visas (AEWV) with the expectation of employment.

However, despite paying substantial sums of money to various agents for their visas and jobs, most of these workers have not received any paid employment, as stated in a report by news portal rnz.co.nz. The payments ranged from USD 15,000 to USD 40,000.

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a temporary work visa category, and some of these individuals have been stranded in New Zealand for several months. In response to the situation, the Indian High Commission has provided support to their nationals, offering food and consular services.

They have reaffirmed their commitment to the welfare of the Indian community in New Zealand. These cases of exploitation are not isolated incidents. The Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme, established in July last year, has already faced 164 active investigations due to complaints of worker exploitation and breaches.

The scheme aimed to prevent exploitation by ensuring employers' viability and fair treatment of employees through pre- and post-accreditation checks. However, serious concerns were raised by a whistleblower that potential accredited employers were not being thoroughly vetted.

As a result, Immigration Minister Andrew Little has ordered an urgent independent review of the scheme's operations. This comprehensive probe by the New Zealand government signifies their commitment to addressing worker exploitation and ensuring the welfare of all individuals coming to the country for employment opportunities. It underscores the need for stricter regulations and diligent checks to prevent such cases of exploitation from occurring in the future.