Immigration New Zealand warns of ‘too good to be true’ job offers

Any person providing New Zealand immigration advice, anywhere in the world, must be licensed by IAA or be exempt. (Photo: Ethan Johnson via Unsplash)

• Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has warned migrant workers in New Zealand to be wary of too good to be true job offers
• Any person providing New Zealand immigration advice, anywhere in the world, must be licensed by IAA or be exempt.

INZ’s advice for people who wish to work in New Zealand is to apply through approved pathways rather than via third party agents using apps.

Any person providing New Zealand immigration advice, anywhere in the world, must be licensed by IAA or be exempt. Licensed Immigration Advisers have met competency standards and are required to follow a professional Code of Conduct (the Code). Among other requirements, the Code requires advisers to have a written agreement with the applicant setting out the services they will provide and the cost of those services. Licensed Immigration Advisers must charge fees that are fair and reasonable.

Senior Investigator Helen Garratt says immigration scams are nothing new but with the rise of social media including apps like WhatsApp it is easy for people to get pulled into a scam, according to an INZ press release.

“The general rule is if someone offers you a job in New Zealand and it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. However, there are a few hallmarks of scams that people can look out for in order to protect themselves. An employer or a recruiter cannot charge you for a job. So beware of offers asking you to pay a large sum of money in return for a visa and a job. Also, paying a sum to have your visa application fast-tracked is another sign the offer could be a scam,” Garratt said.

It is important to remember that migrant workers have the same minimum employment rights as New Zealand workers. Information on employment rights and responsibilities is available in a range of languages on the Employment New Zealand website.