Union Network of Migrants president Mandeep Bela walked Newshub through the property on Sunday night. Several men were crammed into a porta com out the front, suitcases were piled up into a lounge that doubles as a laundry, tiny back rooms were full of mattresses, while others sleep in the garage.

“In terms of work visa schemes – scam schemes – this is really at another level,” Bela said.

Immigration New Zealand has launched a major investigation into alleged visa fraud and migrant exploitation, which are serious criminal offences.

“Once the investigation is complete, if the charges are proven we will prosecute and we will take serious action against any offenders,” said Steve Watson, immigration compliance and investigations general manager.

So how widespread are scenes like this? The Ministry concedes it simply doesn’t know.

“Um, makes me sad for the integrity of the system being called into question because there are a large number of employers and people who come to this country and have a positive experience. And I don’t believe these people have had a positive experience,” Watson said.

But Immigration Minister Andrew Little still won’t commit to pausing the accredited employer scheme.

“We have about 27,000 accredited employers, we have about 77,000 workers here in New Zealand under visas under that scheme. The vast majority are working fine,” he said.

Even though this is the reality for who knows how many.

“You told us that you have a better life in New Zealand, you can settle with the family here, your children have a good education here. Where is it? Like this? Everybody sleeping like this?” Babu said.

They were sold a dream, but instead they bought a lie.