Crackdown on worker abuse

Immigration officers will gain police-like powers to enter and search homes without a warrant under law changes designed to stamp out exploitation of migrants - a move that is being questioned by lawyers and civil rights groups.

The Government is cracking down on migrant exploitation after reports of international students and temporary visa holders being underpaid, trapped on their employers' premises and, in extreme cases, forced into prostitution.

At present, immigration laws offer protection to illegal migrants who are exploited, but not to migrants who are legitimately working here. The Immigration Amendment Bill (No 2) will introduce heavy penalties including deportation for migrant bosses or business owners who exploit workers.

As part of the reforms, Immigration New Zealand officials will be given greater tools to crack down on worker abuse.

Immigration New Zealand staff already have powers to enter premises but only to serve a deportation notice and only if they have reasonable grounds to believe the person is in the building.

If the bill passes, officials will be able to apply for and execute search warrants, instead of requiring police to execute the warrant. They will be able to search employers' premises without a warrant to search for employees or documents, and compel bosses or workers to answer questions.

The bill also explicitly states that the powers will not be limited to business premises, but will apply to homes or dwellings.

Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said this week the bill aimed to give authorities the powers needed to effectively enforce the Immigration Act. Analysis by the Ministry of Justice found that the changes were consistent with the Bill of Rights.

The bill passed its first reading with support from all parties except Mana, though Labour and Greens questioned whether some provisions could breach human rights.