Agents recruiting people illegally to work in New Zealand

The New Zealand High Commission has become aware of individuals and organisations in the community who are allegedly recruiting Papua New Guineans to work in New Zealand picking fruit, under false pretences.

 These individuals have been requesting that people pay them a fee, which is illegal.

The New Zealand High Commission wishes to advise the public that at this stage there are no accredited employers in New Zealand that are currently seeking to recruit from Papua New Guinea or that have indicated that they intend to do so.

While New Zealand does operate a seasonal labour scheme (called the Recognised Seasonal Employers (RSE) scheme), and Papua New Guineans are eligible to participate in the scheme, they must have a job offer from a New Zealand employer who is approved by Immigration New Zealand before applying for a visa.

Any ‘agents’ receiving money as fees from Papua New Guineans for the purpose of going to New Zealand under this scheme are acting illegally.