{
  "id": 15787703,
  "title": "New Zealand Makes Overseas Job Payment Illegal",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/20/new-zealand-makes-overseas-job-payment-illegal",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-20T18:37:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ProPakistani",
    "slug": "propakistani",
    "url": "https://propakistani.pk/2026/10/20/new-zealand-makes-overseas-job-payment-illegal/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "New Zealand's Employment Court has declared it illegal for employers to charge workers for securing employment, even if the payments originate overseas. This ruling affirms the provisions of the Wages Protection Act 1983, which previously lacked clarity regarding cross-border payments. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) clarified that the ban extends to payments made by family members, friends, or agents acting on behalf of job seekers. The decision also includes payments received by recruitment agents or other individuals representing employers. INZ National Manager Risk and Verification Aaron Smith emphasized that this ruling sets a significant legal precedent to combat migrant exploitation, as many workers are coerced into paying substantial sums for job offers and residency promises. The ruling makes it clear that charging for employment in New Zealand is unlawful, irrespective of the payment's location, value, or recipient. Smith encouraged individuals who have been misled or pressured into paying for job opportunities or visa support to report such incidents. While INZ cannot recover funds lost through job scams, it can take legal action against New Zealand employers and their representatives involved in charging migrants for employment. The agency advised employers and recruitment agencies to adhere to transparent hiring practices and comply with employment laws, including when collaborating with overseas recruiters and third parties. Smith cautioned that employers and agents exploiting migrant workers financially, including through deceptive job offers, would face repercussions.",
  "summary": "New Zealand’s Employment Court has ruled that charging workers money to secure jobs in the country is illegal, even if … Read More The post New Zealand Makes Overseas Job Payment Illegal appeared first on ProPakistani .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}