A3.5 Exemptions for diplomatic and consular staff

1. The Protocol Division of MFAT must confirm all applications for exemptions from people immune from jurisdiction under the Diplomatic Privileges and Immunity Act 1968 and the Consular Privileges and Immunity Act 1971.
2. The Protocol Division also advises on the validity period and type (eg. Diplomatic or Official) of the exemption.

A3.5.1 Accompanying dependants

1. Children over 21 are not eligible for a permit exemption except in their own right.
2. Accompanying spouse, partner or dependent children who have been granted an exemption and who wish to work in New Zealand must also obtain approval from the Protocol Division.
3. Accompanying spouse, partner or dependent children who wish to undertake tertiary study in New Zealand may be liable for foreign student fees and should contact the Protocol Division before entering New Zealand to establish whether or not they are liable for such fees.

A3.5.5 Domestic staff

Domestic staff recruited from overseas to work in diplomatic and consular households do not qualify for an exemption and must apply for a work visa (see WI5.10).

A3.5.10 Applying for exemptions

Applications must be supported by and made at the request of the applicant's diplomatic mission or government.

1. All requests for diplomatic exemption endorsements must include the following information:
   1. full names, and
   2. date and place of birth, and
   3. designation and organisation, and
   4. type and expiry of passport (diplomatic/official), and
   5. expected arrival date in New Zealand, and
   6. diplomatic status of officer, and
   7. name of officer replaced (if applicable), and
   8. details of members of the officer's family who form part of their household in New Zealand
2. Sub-paragraphs (b) (vi), (vii) and (viii) list additional details required for diplomatic, consular, administrative, technical and service staff accredited to New Zealand.

Effective 26/07/1999