Immigration Rights
Migrant worker rights, reporting exploitation, visa conditions, deportation appeals, refugee claims, and partner/family visas in New Zealand.
Covered in this guide:
Migrants and visa holders in New Zealand are covered by the Immigration Act 2009 (administered by Immigration New Zealand, INZ) and, like everyone, by employment and human-rights law. Crucially, migrant workers have the same minimum employment rights as residents — minimum wage, leave, and protection from exploitation. Visa, deportation and refugee decisions can be challenged at the independent Immigration and Protection Tribunal (IPT).
Immigration settings change frequently — always verify the current rules on immigration.govt.nz. INZ: 0508 558 855. Report migrant exploitation: 0800 200 088.
Key Laws
Immigration Act 2009
Public Act 2009 No 51; ss 49–54, 154+
Visas, conditions, deportation, detention, refugee/protection status, and appeals to the IPT.
Employment Relations Act 2000 / Minimum Wage Act 1983
Public Acts 2000 No 24 / 1983 No 115
Migrant workers have the full minimum employment rights of any employee.
Human Rights Act 1993
Public Act 1993 No 82
Anti-discrimination protections that apply to migrants.
Migrant Worker Employment Rights
If you work in New Zealand on a visa, you have the same minimum employment rights as any New Zealand worker — regardless of your immigration status. That means at least the minimum wage ($23.95/hour f...
Reporting Migrant Exploitation
New Zealand treats migrant exploitation seriously — underpayment, excessive hours, withholding documents, charging for jobs, and threats over visa status. Under the Immigration Act 2009, exploiting a...
Visa Conditions and Compliance
Every visa comes with conditions — who you can work for, what work you can do, study limits, and how long you can stay. Under the Immigration Act 2009, breaching your visa conditions can make you liab...
Deportation and Your Appeal Rights
Becoming liable for deportation doesn't mean you'll automatically be removed — there's a process and, in most cases, a right to appeal. Under the Immigration Act 2009, you can become liable for deport...
Refugee and Protection Claims
If you fear persecution or serious harm if returned to your home country, you can claim refugee or protected-person status in New Zealand under Part 5 of the Immigration Act 2009, which gives effect t...
Partner and Family Visa Income Thresholds
If you want to support a partner or family member to come to (or stay in) New Zealand, INZ rules require you to meet relationship and, for some categories, income requirements. These settings live mos...