2015-Jul 03: Assessing applications from Quakers under Religious Worker Instructions

Visa Pak 218: Clarification for staff when processing Work Visas under Religious Workers for those of the Quaker faith when they will not be in paid employment while in New Zealand.

Visa Paks

3 July 2015

Assessing applications from Quakers under Religious Worker Instructions

Following a discussion with the New Zealand Society of Friends (Quakers) we are aware that due to the nature of the Quakers structure it is difficult for them to meet the requirements of WM4 Making an application under Religious Worker instructions.

These instructions require the applicant to have spent at least two years in the field of religious work. The Quakers structure is such that there are extremely few members who are dedicated full-time workers in Quakerism (only a small number of members of the Quaker faith are working in a full-time paid capacity). In New Zealand no one is paid to work for Quakers. Quakers regard all members as having a responsibility for the religious and pastoral life of the meeting.

All other members of the faith will be in paid employment as well as being a member of the Society of Friends. However, this does not mean they cannot meet the objectives of the Religious Worker instructions which are to provide New Zealand communities with the opportunity to practise, maintain and advance their religious beliefs; and maintain the integrity of the immigration system through clear guidelines for applicants to enter New Zealand and undertake genuine religious work.

When assessing applications from Quakers under the Religious Worker instructions, Immigration Officers may consider granting an exception to instructions in cases where all other instructions have been met and the application contains letters of support from The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in New Zealand and their home country.

Action

Please discuss with your team(s) and consider granting an exception to instructions if appropriate.