The government of New Zealand prepares to impose tougher penalties on employers who exploit their migrant workers. Trade unions, migrant support organisations and employers welcomed the news.

Plans are in place to amend the Immigration Act to include harsher sentences for employers who violate the law. Minister of Immigration Michael Woodhouse says specific penalties concerning exploitation of migrants with temporary visas will be introduced soon. Employers who are found guilty may be sentenced to prison for a maximum of seven years or a fine of $100,000. Both penalties can be imposed depending on the case.

If the offending employer is also a migrant, he or she may be deported if offence is committed within 10 years of residency. Authorities investigated last week's claim regarding migrant workers holding jobs at an Auckland restaurant with $4 as an hourly wage. New Zealand's adult minimum wage is pegged at $13.75 an hour.

Employers and Manufacturers' Association in Auckland are willing to support government plans to increase penalties for worker exploitation. David Lowe, employment services manager, says the reported $4 an hour wage is not common and may put the spotlight on law-abiding employers.

Migrant business owners will think twice before paying rates below the imposed minimum wage because of the risk of deportation. Peter Conway, Secretary for the Council of Trade Unions also supports the harsher penalties on employers but expresses concern over the willingness of migrant workers to expose their employer's exploitation.

According to Mary Dawson of Auckland Regional Migrant Services, migrant workers will not hesitate to come forward if they see that New Zealand government is taking their plight seriously. Dawson says once an employer is found guilty and faces tougher penalties as an example, cases of migrant worker exploitation can be stopped.

The Immigration Act is expected to be amended within the month. It is estimated to be passed into law sometime early next year.

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