The two men at a high-security prison run by Serco NZ get paid 60 cents an hour and say the prices of canteen food and phone calls are more expensive than at other prisons.
But the Crown says a special "humanitarian circumstances" visa did not apply to two Afghans challenging New Zealand immigration rules and their application.
New Zealand is only resettling those who helped its armed forces, their spouse and children – but entire families could be killed, a court has been told.