WI5.25 Special work permits for refugee status claimants

WI5.25.1 Who is eligible for a special work permit

1. Refugee status claimants who show a need to work in order to support themselves, may be granted a special work permit while they await a decision on their refugee status claim.
2. Claimants must show evidence of the need to work, which may take the form of a bank statement confirming that the claimant has insufficient funds to survive.
3. Claimants must hold a current temporary permit at the time they apply for a special work permit.
4. Only one work permit may be granted for each family unit, usually to the primary breadwinner.

WI5.25.5 Who is not normally eligible for a special work permit

1. Claimants who are sponsored for a particular period or who arrived in New Zealand with sufficient funds for a particular period, are unlikely to be granted a special work permit for that period.
2. Persons belonging to a family in which another member has already been granted a special work permit are not normally eligible for a special work permit.
3. Persons not eligible for a work permit under this provision may apply under the provision for work permits in WK2.5, but must meet all the requirements, including payment of the appropriate fee.

WI5.25.10 Making an application

1. Applications must be made in the prescribed manner (see E4.55); but an appropriately delegated immigration officer may waive:
   1. the application fee, and
   2. the requirement to produce evidence of funds or sponsorship, and
   3. the requirement to produce evidence of travel tickets or onward travel arrangements, and
   4. the requirement to produce a job offer.
2. Any work permits granted under this provision may be endorsed with conditions that allow work for any employer.

Effective 29/04/2002