New Zealand Migrant Exploitation Case: Palmerston North Employer Sentenced

A Palmerston North company director has been sentenced following an Immigration New Zealand investigation into migrant exploitation. The case involved a migrant worker who was unlawfully pressured to pay substantial sums of money during her employment.

Dodamwalage Kalani Helikumari Jayawardhana, known as Kalani, was sentenced on 6 July 2026 after being found guilty of three charges of migrant exploitation. According to the report, the sentence was two years’ imprisonment, to be served as 12 months’ home detention.

The offending occurred while Jayawardhana was a director of Computer Express 24 Care Limited, a Palmerston North business. The Court also ordered reparation of NZD $59,657.68. This included wage arrears owed to the complainant, Pay As You Earn contributions, and NZD $15,000 that the employer had unlawfully demanded during the course of employment.

What has changed

This is not a change to New Zealand Visa policy. It is an enforcement outcome that shows Immigration NZ continues to investigate and act on migrant exploitation where serious concerns are identified.

The worker in this case was a Sri Lankan national employed by the company as an office manager. The source report states she was subjected to repeated demands for money while trying to build her future in New Zealand and progress her residence application. The offending involved substantial payments, including the repayment of wages she had earned and other payments amounting to tens of thousands of dollars.

Immigration NZ’s National Manager Investigations, Jason Perry, described the case as a serious abuse of power. He said the worker had come to New Zealand seeking opportunity and a better future, but was instead pressured to hand over substantial money to the person who employed her.

The outcome is significant because it reinforces that employment arrangements connected to migration must be lawful, transparent, and fair. An employer must not use a worker’s immigration situation, residence hopes, or need for ongoing employment as a way to obtain money or control.

What this means for migrants

For migrants in New Zealand, the case is a reminder that employment rights and immigration matters are closely connected, especially where a worker’s visa or residence pathway depends on work. Migrant workers may feel hesitant to raise concerns if they believe their job, future visa options, or ability to remain in New Zealand could be affected.

The report highlights that this type of harm can go beyond financial loss. Immigration NZ noted that migrant exploitation can leave workers feeling trapped, isolated, and afraid to speak up. That is why it is important for migrants to understand that pressure to hand back wages, pay an employer for a job, or make unexplained payments connected to employment should be treated seriously.

Every case will depend on its own facts, including the person’s visa conditions, employment agreement, and evidence. Migrants should avoid making decisions based only on fear or informal advice from people who may not understand New Zealand employment or immigration requirements.

If you are planning to Move to New Zealand, already hold a New Zealand Visa, or are working toward residence, keep copies of your employment agreement, payslips, bank records, messages, and any requests for payments. Clear records can help if you later need to explain what happened or seek support.

What to do next

If you are concerned about pressure from an employer, unpaid wages, or requests for money linked to your job or visa pathway, take time to get informed before responding. Do not rely only on verbal promises. Ask for written information, keep records, and consider speaking with a suitably qualified professional.

For migrants whose visa status depends on employment, it is especially important to understand the immigration consequences before leaving a role, changing employers, or making a complaint. This does not mean you should stay silent if something is wrong, but it does mean you should seek careful, personalised guidance.

Immigration Management can help you understand which immigration questions may need to be considered and connect you with professional support suited to your circumstances. You can get matched with an adviser if you need help assessing your options.

This case is a clear reminder that migrants should not be treated as a source of income for an employer. New Zealand’s immigration and employment systems rely on lawful conduct from both employers and workers. When something does not feel right, getting accurate information early can help you make safer, better-informed decisions.

Ready to move to New Zealand? Start your assessment to get matched with a licensed immigration adviser suited to your situation.