Philippines authorities have suspended two New Zealand companies and a recruitment company based in the Philippines after reports of recruitment violation and exploitation.
The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration is investigating complaints into Christchurch-based Business Immigration, Auckland-based Valiant Homes, and Sacred Heart International in the Philippines.
A spokesperson said the complaints were based on eight workers employed by Valiant Homes.
The spokesperson said the workers alleged they were underpaid and charged a service fee of $30 a week.
The spokesperson said the workers also claimed they were forced to work on Saturdays, under threat of being sent back to the Philippines.
An Immigration New Zealand spokesperson said it put warnings on its systems last week, as a result of the actions by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration.
The spokesperson said immigration officers will treat any visa application associated with the two companies with caution.
Neither Business Immigration nor Valiant Homes could be contacted for comment.
