WJ2 Requests for Approval in Principle (06/07/2015)

1. Approval in Principle (AIP) requests to recruit foreign crew on fishing vessels are subject to the general objective of work visa instructions (W1).
2. For an AIP to be granted, the New Zealand employer or New Zealand Charter Partner (NZCP) must satisfy Immigration New Zealand (INZ) that:
   1. there are no (or insufficient) suitably qualified and experienced New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders available to crew a single vessel for the specified period up to a maximum of 12 months;
   2. the terms and conditions of employment offered meet the requirements of WJ5.45.10 Employment Agreements;
   3. it is financially sound (WJ2.5);
   4. the directors and senior management of the New Zealand employer or NZCP are ‘fit and proper’ people (WJ2.10);
   5. where the employer is the Foreign Charter Party (FCP), the NZCP has completed a Deed of Guarantee of Financial Obligations in Respect of Foreign Crew (INZ 1211) guaranteeing payment of minimum levels of crew remuneration in the event of default by the employer;
   6. it is an acceptable sponsor (see E6.5 and WJ5.10);
   7. it will comply with all the requirements and obligations set out at WJ5; and
   8. it agrees to the conditions as specified at WJ3.
3. INZ will determine whether the New Zealand employer or NZCP has made genuine attempts to find suitably qualified and experienced New Zealand citizens or residence class visa holders in accordance with the requirements set out in WK2.10.
4. To ensure the above requirements have been met, INZ will consult with relevant government agencies including, but not limited to, the Ministry for Primary Industries, Maritime New Zealand, and the Ministry of Social Development.

Effective 06/07/2015