Immigration NZ forced to repay $44k for incorrectly issuing fines

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) had to repay infringement fines to more than 20 rogue employers because staff were not authorised to issue them.

It could not issue new notices against the companies because they were outside a three-month period of when the offending occured.

Instead INZ had to repay about $44,000 to the 21 companies.

It also issued 12-month stand-down periods for 17 companies - a temporary ban on recruiting overseas workers - when they should have lasted six months.

The penalties are imposed on individuals (maximum fine $1000) and companies ($3000) who allow an employee to work while not on a valid visa, failing to provide documents to INZ or not being accredited employers.

In the 2024/25 year, 118 employers were fined. Among the current standdown list is rideshare company Uber.

INZ said in a briefing to its minister that the 23 infringement notices dating back to 2024 were withdrawn because staff did not hold the correct delegations as acting managers to approve them.

"All employers affected have now been notified and have been removed from the public stand-down list. All eligible employers have been refunded any infringement fees that were paid." It also waived new fees for the eight companies that had their accreditation revoked.

It said most of the affected companies appeared to be small businesses and five were not accredited employers. The remaining 16 employed 55 migrants.