80% want action to end migrant exploitation

Four out of five New Zealanders want stronger action on stopping migrant exploitation.

A Horizon Research survey, conducted on behalf of Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission found 89% of New Zealanders believe all people, including migrants, should be treated with hospitality, care and manaaki in the workplace.

The polling data found 80% of New Zealanders want the government to take meaningful action to address exploitation of migrants living and working in our communities.

Large majorities of voters for parties currently in Parliament support this.

In comments on the survey, the commission said: "Our government’s policy settings mean that many people who are invited to work and live in our communities from overseas are tied to a single employer through their visa.

"This means if they’re underpaid, mistreated, or abused, they can’t easily leave their job. Essentially, tied visas set the stage for exploitation, making it easy for abuse to happen and hard for people to escape it."

“When people have the freedom to leave unsafe workplaces, we all benefit,” says Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner Professor Gail Pacheco. “Whether people are driving innovation in our tech sector, helping grow our food, caring for our loved ones or building the homes we live in, everyone should be treated with respect.”

Migrant workers play a vital role in New Zealand’s success and a wide body of research, including by the Productivity Commission, also shows tied visas significantly impact working conditions by creating a power imbalance between employers and migrant workers, which increases the risk of exploitation.

“Removing tied visas will unlock the potential of thousands of people building a better life for themselves and their family, strengthen our communities, and uphold the dignity and rights that Aotearoa prides itself on,” says Pacheco.

This key solution is simple and achievable: give migrant workers the freedom to change their employer. This change would not only protect human rights but also create fairer, stronger communities where everyone thrives.

“Together, we can build a society where everyone has the freedom to thrive - one where respect, dignity, and opportunity are the foundation for everyone,” says Prof Pacheco.

“And so we are calling on all political parties to make this a priority in their 2026 election manifestos.”

Other main findings

Among other survey findings:

• 57% agreed (9% disagreed) that migrant exploitation was a serious problem in New Zealand
• 46% agreed (8% disagreed) that immigration rules make it too easy to exploit migrant workjers
• 73% disagreed with a statement that there is nothing we can do reduce migrant worker exploitation
• 93% agreed (1% disagreed) that everyone deserves a life free from exploitation at work.

Methodology

The survey was conducted online nationwide between 4th and 14th September, 2025. There were 1,073 respondents aged 18+, representing New Zealand’s adult population.

At a 95% confidence level, the survey has a maximum margin of error of ±3% overall.

Survey report

Click here to download a copy of the survey report.