From 7 October 2024, Licensed Immigration Advisers and other immigration professionals can no longer engage directly with Work and Income on behalf of employers. Before submitting a Job Check application, employers must liaise with Work and Income for most ANZSCO Level 4 or 5 vacancies. While immigration professionals can still assist with the Work and Income form, they will need to provide the contact details of a person responsible for hiring decisions, such as the employer’s hiring manager, human resources manager, or owner/operator.

This contact person can also be from an external recruitment agency, as long as they are involved in hiring decisions and are not providing immigration advice on the employer’s Job Check application.

In the last financial year, INZ’s investigation teams received 2,881 complaints, leading to 860 investigation actions, including the prosecution of 9 individuals. Additionally, 1,338 complaints were resolved without the need for formal investigation. If no sufficient evidence of criminal activity is found, cases are closed. More detailed figures on investigation cases received and completed can be found on INZ’s website.

INZ has the authority to revoke an employer’s accreditation if breaches of accreditation standards are identified. However, there is a due process for determining whether to suspend or revoke accreditation, with cases assessed individually by various MBIE departments, including INZ.

We have successfully represented employers caught in disputes involving migrant workers. If you notice such issues arising in your workplace, we strongly recommend seeking legal advice before the matter escalates.