Thirty-two fishermen who fled a Korean vessel have managed to pull together enough money to file legal challenges against deportation from New Zealand.
A ministerial inquiry is to be held into the treatment of workers aboard foreign charter vessels after allegations of inhumane working conditions, including sexual and physical abuse.
The Indonesian crew members walked off the Oyang 75 at Lyttelton Port in June this year.
Associate Minister of Immigration Kate Wilkinson has so far refused to waive more than $17,000 of fees required to allow the men to lodge the challenges.
However, the Ministry of Justice says it is still possible for the men to apply for a refund.
Seven men from a second vessel, the Shin Ji, in Auckland have also filed challenges after their fees were paid by a member of the public.
The Indonesian Human Rights Committee New Zealand and the Seafarers' Welfare Board say the men must be allowed to stay to give evidence at the inquiry.
The Department of Labour says the men have given statements that will be used in the inquiry.
