Best practice reminder as immigration scheme imposes fines

Six months since the introduction of the Immigration Employment Infringement Scheme, it has been revealed $196,000 has been collected in fines. Acting General Manager Compliance and Investigations, Michael Carley says we have begun to see its effects on employers.

“Since April, there have been a total of 54 infringements issued across the country. Of these, 20 occurred in the Auckland region, 10 in Wellington, and 7 in Canterbury, leading to a total of $196,000 in penalties.”

Most of these fines ranged from $1,000 to $3,000, but notably, two substantial penalties of $12,000 and $15,000 have been imposed on two businesses for multiple offences. The types of business systems involved has not been shared. 

The sectors that faced the highest number of infringements included agriculture, forestry, and fishing, receiving nine infringements each. Close behind were the construction, accommodation and food Services, and retail trade industries, with eight infringements each.

Michael Carley acknowledges that many employers do the right thing, however, there is still a small number who aren’t following the rules.

“The infringement scheme is an additional tool we have to help employers understand that there are consequences for not adhering to the rules around hiring migrants.

"While we will still prosecute where we see serious breaches of immigration law, the introduction of infringement penalties provides a new avenue for swift and high impact action.

“We can now tackle non-compliance with greater efficiency and speed, making sure that employers follow the regulations and safeguard migrants from exploitation.”

Reflecting on the announcement from a franchising perspective, CEO of Franchising Association of New Zealand Robyn Pickerill said, "FANZ continues to share information and education sessions with FANZ members to support best practice employment.  FANZ Best Practice hub is a good source of information."