Work & employment · Worker, Newcomer
Your rights as a migrant worker
Published
Reviewed · Next review
Understand minimum employment rights and find official help for unfair treatment or exploitation.
Migrant workers on visas have the same minimum employment rights as New Zealand workers. These include written employment agreements, wages, breaks, holidays and leave. Use the Employment New Zealand links in INZ's worker-rights guide for the current rules; a visa wage requirement is not a substitute for employment rights.
If you think you are being exploited, INZ explains how to report to Employment New Zealand and how the report is assessed. It also explains language support and possible visa options. Read the current process or contact the agencies; reporting does not itself establish eligibility for a different visa.
Key facts
- Migrant workers on visas have the same minimum employment rights as New Zealand workers.Sources: Your rights as a worker from overseas
- Employment New Zealand receives migrant exploitation reports online or by phone and can provide language support.Sources: Your rights as a worker from overseas
Official sources
- Your rights as a worker from overseas
Immigration New Zealand · Accessed
Kislap publishes this resource for general information only. Nothing here is immigration, legal, financial, tax, medical, employment, or other professional advice; check official sources and speak with a qualified professional before acting.
Review history (1)
Revision 1 ·
Initial rights and reporting review. Visa timeframes and wage figures left to official guidance.