An Auckland IT worker has taken the rare step of describing his exploitation at the hands of his New Zealand bosses.
The migrant from India was caught up in a "cash for job" scheme, where he paid his bosses close to $30,000 to get a job in New Zealand - money they called a "business investment".
In return, the boss recommended he be given a visa.
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The man, who asked to stay anonymous, was offered a job as a junior technician in an internet café - an entry-level position he hoped would help launch his IT career.
"At that time, I really need a job as an extension of my visa," he told Newshub.
But before the offer was made, he says he was told to hand over $15,000, apparently as an "investment" in the business
"They took advantage. They took the money and the money went in their pockets, or in the company, I don't know."
He alleges the money was given in cash to Harpreet Singh, also known as HP or Harry Singh - a business shareholder.
Just a few months later, the business was sold.
- Contact Michael Morrah via email at MichaelMorrah@mediaworks.co.nz
The worker says the new buyer, Guatam Savani, allegedly also demanded $15,000.
"He said, 'What's my benefit if I hire you, otherwise you can go and find another job'."
Fearing he'd lose his job, the worker agreed to pay the new owner, but says he could only manage to get together $12,000.
Bill Bradford, national organiser of First Union, told Newshub it's "extortion".
"I think it is extortion. I think it's taking advantage of someone very deliberately and very callously, of someone else's misfortune," he said.
Newshub contacted Mr Singh, who was alleged to have received these payments.
When asked if he ever received money, either cash or a bank transfer, from the worker, he responded: "No, why don't you listen. I was just a technician there."
But there are Facebook conversations that support the worker's claims.
When the worker tells Mr Singh that he gave him $15,000 and another $12,000 to Mr Savani, Mr Singh doesn't deny it.
His response in Punjabi translates to say: "Don't worry, I'll do something."
Mr Savani is also denying he got any money.
"He's a liar. He made a lot of stories," he told Newshub.
But there are other Facebook conversations between the worker and the original owner of the business, Liam Ward.
The worker states: "I gave you $15,000 for a work visa and Gautam took $12,000 for a variation of conditions."
Mr Ward's response: "I only got the $3000 from Harry and that was to pay rent....I was not aware he took that money from you."
In another message, Mr Ward said: "I'm sure we figured out Harry ran away with 10K. I gave you a job offer and you received work visa... and money went to company not me."
"That's absolutely an acknowledgement, I think, that cash has changed hands," Mr Bradford said.
However Mr Ward told Newshub he was never involved.
Not only does the worker allege he was fleeced of thousands, he said he was grossly underpaid.
His contract stated he'd get $17.25 an hour, but he said he got just a fraction of that - only a little over $6 an hour.
An email from Mr Ward sent to Mr Savani before he took over the business confirms that payment structure.
Mr Ward advises that "staff costs are based on $75 per 12-hour shift" - by our calculation that amounts to just $6.25 cents an hour.
He even suggests that amount could be further reduced. Again, when spoken to, Mr Ward denies this, saying he paid staff as per their contracts.
The worker says he's made a complaint with Immigration New Zealand.
Without work or money, he has some advice for other migrants on the job hunt: don't trust anyone.
Newshub.
