Landscaping company forced migrant worker to pay $45,000 for job

An Auckland landscaping company has been ordered to pay back the almost $45,000 it forced a migrant worker to pay for a job in New Zealand.

The Employment Relations Authority also ordered 7 Solutions Limited, trading as Auckland City Lawns, to pay a $16,000 fine and its sole director Kamal Jeet Singh to pay a further $8000 to the worker.

Singh would be personally liable for repaying the worker $44,750 if the company did not have the money.

The authority said the company’s actions amounted to serious exploitation of a migrant worker and breached the Wages Protection Act.

Labour Inspectorate northern region investigations manager Katriona Ikenasio said premiums to secure employment were one of the most egregious forms of exploitation.

“They prey on the vulnerability of migrants, both offshore and onshore, who often rely heavily on the advice and direction of employers and agents to secure employment or visas,” she said.

“In this case the complainant transferred funds through multiple intermediaries at the direction of the company director, demonstrating a deliberate and calculated strategy. Such conduct reflects a clear misuse of the inherent power imbalance in employment relationships, allowing employers to exploit both individuals and regulatory systems for their own gain.”

The worker came from India and worked for the company for a year until September 2024.

Authority member Simon Greening rejected explanations the payments were family loans or unrelated transactions.

The authority collected evidence including bank records, WhatsApp communications and witness testimony that showed the payments were requested in connection with securing employment and a visa.

“A person who came here seeking a new life was charged a significant sum for a work opportunity that should have been free,” Ikenasio said.

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