International student fired on the spot wins unjustified dismissal payout
An international student in Auckland has been awarded over $27,000 after the Employment Relations Authority ruled she was unjustifiably dismissed from her job at a luxury jewellery store. The case highlights the vulnerability of international students in the workplace and the importance of legal recourse.
Why it matters
This ruling sets a precedent for the protection of international students' labor rights against exploitative employment practices.
An international student fired on the spot at an Auckland jewellery store says students need more protection. <b>By Ke-Xin Li of </b><a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/1852735/international-student-fired-on-the-spot-wins-payout-for-unjustified-dismissal"><b>RNZ</b></a> Yucen Xi was awarded $27,890 after the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) found her employer Silvertime Trading Limited (STL) unjustifiably dismissed her on July 19, 2025. Xi said the legal process was challenging, but she was determined to pursue justice. "I need to prove that even [if] I'm holding a student visa, I can still go for justice." Xi was employed by STL as a client advisor to work at Qeelin, a fine jewellery store in Newmarket. The jewellery brand is owned by publicly listed company Kering - a global luxury group which also owns brands including Gucci, Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen and Bottega Veneta. On July 19, 2025, Xi was asked to attend a 6pm meeting with area manager Edwin Wu.
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