Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa

New Zealand•Oceania

Open

Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks

Application Fee

Free

Stay Duration

Up to 6 months.

Renewable

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Not Specified

PR Pathway

Remote Work

Not Required

Overview

Open work visa for migrants on employer-tied visas who reported workplace exploitation, fee-free for up to 6 months.

Issued by Immigration New Zealand, the Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa (MEPV) lets migrants on an employer-tied work visa exit an exploitative job while authorities investigate. Applicants must be in New Zealand, hold a current employer-specific visa, and present a Report of Exploitation Assessment Letter (RoEAL) from Employment New Zealand.

Applications must be lodged within 1 month of the RoEAL and are exempt from all standard charges (NZD $0, including the Immigration Levy and IVL). The visa is granted for up to 6 months or the remaining current-visa term and carries open work rights for any lawful NZ employer. It is non-renewable since 31 October 2024.

This visa is ideal for migrants on an employer-tied work visa who have credibly reported exploitation and need fast, fee-free permission to work for any lawful NZ employer.

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be physically located in New Zealand.

Must currently hold a valid employer-tied work visa.

Must have reported the exploitation to Employment New Zealand and received a Report of Exploitation Assessment Letter (RoEAL).

Must apply within 1 month of the date of the RoEAL issuance.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport.

Report of Exploitation Assessment Letter (RoEAL) issued by Employment New Zealand.

Evidence of holding a current employer-tied work visa.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Fee-free application: no charge, no Immigration Levy, no IVL.
Fast-tracked open work rights for any lawful New Zealand employer.
Lets workers leave an exploitative employer immediately during investigation.
No job offer, sponsorship, or proof of funds required at application.
Health and character documents typically not required unless officer requests.
Granted for up to 6 months, giving time to find safer employment.

Worth Knowing

Must apply within 1 month of receiving the Report of Exploitation Assessment Letter.
Only available to people already in New Zealand on an employer-specific work visa.
Duration is the shorter of 6 months or remaining current-visa duration.
Dependants (partner or children) cannot be included on this visa.
Leaving New Zealand cancels the visa; no re-entry permitted.
Second MEPV grants on the same exploitation report were discontinued on 31 October 2024.
Applicants on open, limited, or interim visas not tied to a named employer are ineligible.
Requires a credible MBIE Report of Exploitation Assessment Letter — without it the application cannot proceed.

Application Process

Report the exploitation to Employment New Zealand through the official reporting channels.

Receive the Report of Exploitation Assessment Letter (RoEAL) from Employment New Zealand.

Apply online to Immigration New Zealand for the Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa within 1 month of receiving your RoEAL.

Wait for fast-tracked assessment and grant of the open work visa.

Verified Claims (5)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Fees	Fee-free (NZD $0)	immigration.govt.nz
Max Stay	Up to 6 months.	immigration.govt.nz
Name	Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa	immigration.govt.nz
Processing Time	Fast-tracked (typically processed within a few days to 2 weeks).	immigration.govt.nz
Requirements	Must be physically located in New Zealand.; Must currently hold a valid employer-tied work visa.; Mu…	immigration.govt.nz

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