A14.5 Suitability of interpreters

1. The interviewing officer may use a staff member who understands and communicates in the interviewee's language, or a third party interpreter in whom they have confidence.
2. If family members, friends or agents accompany interviewees who do not speak English fluently to an interview, interviewing officers should not use these people as interpreters, because they may have an interest in the outcome of the application and therefore may:
   • provide an incorrect translation, or
   • give their own answers and ask their own questions rather than those of the applicant, or
   • seek to influence the applicant's responses.

Effective 05/06/2000