In New Zealand, a case involving the exploitation of migrant workers within the kiwifruit and horticultural sector has concluded. Jafar Kurisi, also known as Ali or Tauranga Ali, faced charges after investigations triggered by previous complaints led to his arrest in late 2020. The inquiry involved searches of 5 Tauranga residences and interviews with 27 individuals from Indonesia, Malaysia, India, and Bangladesh regarding their employment and immigration statuses. Kurisi was found guilty of employing migrants illegally, some on expired visitor visas, and attempting to pervert the course of justice.
During sentencing, Kurisi was ordered to 12 months' home detention and to pay $80,000 in reparations to the victims. The court heard from two victims about the financial and emotional damages suffered, including underpayment and poor living conditions. The minimum wage violation was highlighted, with payments to workers ranging from $12-15 per hour against the then minimum wage of $18.90, without compensation for all hours worked.
Steve Watson, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), emphasized the significance of the sentencing in holding Kurisi accountable and allowing the victims to move forward. This case marks Kurisi's first court appearance for worker exploitation, following a 2017 sentencing related to human trafficking involving 13 ineligible workers. The collaborative efforts of the Labour Inspectorate, Tenancy Services, New Zealand Police, and Zespri were acknowledged in bringing the case to court, with hopes that the sentencing serves as a deterrent to future offences.
Source: stuff.co.nz