The latest issue of Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand says Filipino nurses are being exploited in New Zealand.

Some immigration agents and at least one private aged-care provider are taking advantage of nurses emigrating from the Philippines.

Two immigration agencies are alleged to have charged exorbitant fees to place Filipino nurses in jobs.

In one case, nurses employed in New Zealand have had to keep paying large fees to the agent from their wages.

In another case, an immigration agent has kept nurses’ passports and documentation, despite repeated requests for their return.

In the case of the aged-care provider, Filipino nurses are being paid less than other nurses. They get no penal (shift) payments and are made to work the shifts nobody else wants - i.e. weekend, afternoon and night shifts.

The Department of Labour says there is anecdotal evidence of unscrupulous immigration advisers acting for Filipino nurses.

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation has developed an information sheet for overseas nurses wanting to work in New Zealand.