An Auckland restaurant chain is being investigated after complaints that more than 10 workers are being paid less than $4 an hour.

The investigation was launched by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) after receiving "numerous" complaints from workers.

The Ministry would not name the restaurant chain, but revealed it was visiting nine restaurants across the city.

Some workers alleged they got paid $265 a week for up to 75 hours of work.

They also alleged they were not receiving holiday pay, public holiday payments or sick leave.

As well as the restaurant chain owners making "illegal wage deductions" for overcrowded accommodation provided to workers, they were also required to pay to stay in their jobs while they waited for their residency permits to be approved.

These payments ranged between $10,000 and $20,000.

Labour Inspectorate northern manager David Milne said the Ministry would take action "to the full extent available in law".

"Labour exploitation is not welcome in New Zealand and it is totally unacceptable if people are subject to this type of alleged behaviour," he said.

"For migrant business owners this could involve the ultimate consequence of deportation from New Zealand."

The investigation was launched by the Ministry's Labour Inspectorate and Immigration New Zealand.

* An earlier version of this story said there were complaints that more than 100 workers were being paid less than $4 an hour. That was incorrect. MBIE is looking through pay records for over 100 staff but is not suggestiong that many have been underpaid.

