WG5.15 Interpreters from Japan (15/11/2004)

1. New Zealand employers who are unable to obtain suitably qualified New Zealand residents may recruit interpreters from Japan to work in tourism-related industries in New Zealand for a maximum of 3 years.

   Note: 'tourism-related industries' include hotels, retail outlets, restaurants and travel agencies.

2. Preference is given to young people with a background in tourism- related industries who intend to return to Japan to pursue careers in which their experience in New Zealand will be of benefit to either or both countries.
3. Applicants may be issued with a work visa authorising employment for the length of the contract, up to a maximum of 3 years, provided visa and immigration officers are satisfied that the applicant:
   1. is suitably qualified to interpret and translate Japanese and English, and
   2. provides a guarantee of maintenance that covers wages or salary and medical insurance for medical treatment not covered under the Accident Insurance Act 1998, and
   3. provides a guarantee of accommodation for the applicant's entire stay in New Zealand, and
   4. provides a guarantee of repatriation at the end of the period of employment, regardless of the reason for terminating it, and
   5. meets health and character requirements (see E6).
4. Interpreters who spend 3 years working in New Zealand under this policy are not eligible for a further work visa under this policy until they have spent a minimum of 3 years back in Japan.
5. Visa and immigration officers must sight a job offer from a New Zealand employer that meets the requirements specified in this policy.

Effective 15/11/2004