Nurses File Complaints Against Canterbury Recruitment Firm

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Key Takeaways:

Nurses from India filed complaints with Immigration NZ against a Canterbury recruitment company for failing to provide promised employment.
Sruthi Vincent and other nurses paid $25,000 each, only to find no jobs upon reaching New Zealand.
Immigration NZ and support networks can provide legal advice and aid to help affected nurses find employment or resolve issues.

Nurses File Complaints Against Canterbury Recruitment Firm

What Happened to the Nurses Who Arrived on Accredited Employer Work Visas?

Two complaints have been lodged with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) by a group of healthcare workers from India. These complaints target a recruitment company based in Canterbury, New Zealand, which allegedly sponsored them on accredited employer work visas but subsequently failed to provide employment. The situation has left many nurses from India stranded and jobless in a foreign land.

Who Are the Complainants and What Are Their Concerns?

Two nurses have formally filed these complaints with both Immigration New Zealand and the Indian High Commission in Wellington. One of the complainants, Sruthi Vincent, has shared her experience of arriving in New Zealand on an accredited employer work visa sponsored by Deocare (NZ) Personnel, only to find no job waiting for her.

“I had no choice but to file a complaint,” Vincent remarks, revealing her sheer frustration and disappointment after being trapped in a difficult predicament.

Sruthi Vincent’s Journey to New Zealand

Vincent arrived in New Zealand in December last year after working as a nurse in India for five years. Her journey was facilitated by an India-based recruitment agency called London Academy, located near her family’s store in Kerala. Following an interview with a Deocare representative, she accepted an offer of employment on October 3, 2023.

Vincent’s employment contract stipulated that she must commence work within four weeks of signing the contract or upon arrival in New Zealand. If this condition wasn’t met, the contract would become “null and void” unless mutually agreed otherwise. She was verbally assured by London Academy that Deocare would be flexible with her travel dates and she would start work soon after her arrival.

Financial Commitment and Arrival

Vincent paid a hefty sum of $25,000 to London Academy through a combination of bank transfers and cash. Along with seven other Indian nurses, she landed in Hastings on December 12, 2023. They were instructed to contact Deocare upon arrival, which Vincent promptly did.

However, things took a turn for the worse when Vincent’s friend received an email from Deocare two weeks later, stating that they couldn’t assist them and hadn’t taken any money from them. The nurses were advised to find jobs on their own and seek help from agencies in India.

Challenges in Finding Employment

“Changing employers while on an accredited employer work visa is very challenging,” Vincent notes. She needs to find an employer who holds accreditation, meets the median wage requirement, can perform a job check, and has a job token ready. “It’s really tough to find an employer who can do all of that.”

The Role of London Academy

After Deocare failed to assist the jobless nurses, Vincent and her companions turned to London Academy for help. However, the employee who initially assured them of job placements started changing his narrative, now offering to refund their money instead. Vincent and her family have filed a case against London Academy and lodged a complaint with their local police station in Kerala.

Vincent believes many affected healthcare workers have used London Academy services to migrate to New Zealand. However, they haven’t yet filed formal complaints as they still hope to find employment on their own.

Another Nurse’s Experience

A second complaint was filed against Deocare by another nurse who wishes to remain anonymous. She arrived in Hamilton on December 30, 2023, and was similarly advised by London Academy to contact Deocare upon arrival. Initially, she received no response from Deocare. When she finally got in touch with them, she was informed that no positions were available. This nurse also received a letter from Deocare on January 17, allowing her to seek “other opportunities.”

Immigration New Zealand’s Response

As of now, RNZ has approached Deocare for a comment, but there has been no response. The complaints are a significant development, as this is the first time migrant workers from India have formally complained about such issues.

Rising Number of Indian Nurses in New Zealand

The number of Indian nurses migrating to New Zealand continues to rise. According to the latest figures provided by the Nursing Council, the number of newly registered Indian nurses increased from 159 in December 2022 to 458 in the first quarter of 2023. Since New Zealand opened its borders in 2022, nearly 50 percent of the registered nurses who have arrived come from India.

What Can Affected Nurses Do?

For nurses who find themselves in a similar situation, it’s essential to know their rights and the appropriate steps to take. Here are a few actions to consider:

File a Complaint: If you feel that you have been misled or wronged, you can file a complaint with Immigration New Zealand. They have specific procedures in place to handle such cases.
Seek Legal Advice: Consulting with an immigration lawyer can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation. They can advise you on your rights and possible steps to resolve your issues.
Contact Local Authorities: If money was paid to agencies without the services being rendered, you might want to contact local law enforcement in your home country.
Reach Out to Support Networks: Numerous support groups and networks for migrant workers can provide aid and guidance. They can connect you with resources and support systems that may help you find employment or resolve your issues.

Conclusion

The plight of Indian nurses arriving on accredited employer work visas in New Zealand and finding themselves jobless highlights the critical need for transparent and trustworthy recruitment practices. Both the nurses and the agencies must adhere to ethical guidelines to ensure that such situations do not arise. For more authoritative information on accredited employer work visas and employment rights in New Zealand, you can visit Immigration New Zealand’s official website.

By understanding their rights and taking the appropriate steps, these nurses can navigate their way out of this challenging situation. It’s vital for all parties involved to engage transparently and for affected workers to seek the necessary legal and institutional support.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Immigration Terms

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): A type of visa in New Zealand that allows workers to be employed by an accredited employer, who has been approved by Immigration New Zealand to hire overseas workers.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ): The government agency responsible for managing immigration to New Zealand, including the processing of visa applications and addressing complaints related to immigration issues.
Employment Contract: A formal agreement between an employer and an employee outlining the terms and conditions of employment, including start date, job role, and salary. In this context, it includes specific conditions that, if unmet, can render the contract void.
Recruitment Agency: A company that assists employers in finding suitable employees. Here, it specifically refers to entities like London Academy and Deocare, which facilitate international recruitment and sponsorship for work visas.
Median Wage Requirement: A criterion set by Immigration New Zealand that employers must meet to hire foreign workers. This means the employer must pay a wage that is at least at the median level specified by the government for that occupation.

This Article In A Nutshell:

A group of nurses from India, sponsored by a Canterbury recruitment company on accredited employer work visas, found themselves jobless upon arrival in New Zealand. They have lodged complaints with Immigration New Zealand and the Indian High Commission, seeking redress for the broken promises and employment failures.
— By VisaVerge.com

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