My work visa employer is treating me badly, can I change jobs?

Employment law protects migrant workers in the same way as everyone else. You are entitled to the minimum wage, holidays and safe conditions under New Zealand employment law, and an employer cannot lawfully threaten your visa to keep you quiet. Under the Immigration Act 2009, if your visa is employer-specific, you generally need to apply for a new visa or a variation of conditions to change jobs, but there is also a Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa, which allows people who are experiencing exploitation to leave that employer and stay to look for new work for a period, provided that Immigration New Zealand accepts the report. Keep evidence of your hours and payments and contact MBIE's Employment Services or a community law centre for confidential help. Do not sign anything that waives your rights.