An Auckland fruit and veg shop has been fined $12,000 for twice attempting to take a premium from a migrant worker.

An Auckland grocer has been fined $12,000 for twice attempting to exploit a migrant worker.

A Labour Inspectorate investigation found Raw n Fresh director Amardeep Singh demanded shop manager, Firoj Khan to pay $20,000 in exchange for supporting a change in the manager's work visa.

When Khan refused to pay, Singh reduced his demand to $18,000. Raw n Fresh trades as Drury Lane Fruit and Vegies having previously traded as Waiuku Fruit and Veges.

Labour Inspectorate regional manager Loua Ward said actions by employers such as those by Raw n Fresh would not be tolerated.

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"This practice takes advantage of migrants who may not be aware of all their rights and entitlements in New Zealand, or may not feel like they have any other option," Ward said.

Ward said workers should raise concerns with the agency about the way they were being treated by their employer.

The Employment Relations Authority ruled Raw n Fresh's actions breached the Wages Protection Act.

After refusing both demands for a premium by Raw n Fresh, Khan decided to leave his job and report the matter to the Labour Inspectorate.

Half of the $12,000 penalty would be paid to the worker.

Last month, Matthew Ridge's car wash cafe Car-Fe ordered to pay arrears of $35,151 for exploiting migrant workers after the Labour Inspectorate found it had failed to provide correct holiday pay, keep proper wage, time and holiday records, or provide employment agreements.

* An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated Car-Fe was finded $35,151.