WJ1.5 Objective (08/05/2017)

1. The objectives of the Foreign Crew of Fishing Vessels instructions are to:
   1. allow the New Zealand fishing industry to supplement the New Zealand workforce with non-New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder workers;
   2. promote best practice in the fishing industry to support economic growth and productivity of the industry as a whole, while ensuring that the employment conditions of both New Zealand and non-New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder workers are protected and supported;
   3. ensure workers recruited under these instructions are adequately paid;
   4. ensure outcomes which promote the integrity, credibility and reputation of the New Zealand immigration and employment relations systems; and
   5. protect New Zealand’s international reputation.
2. To ensure these objectives are met:
   1. work visas for foreign fishing crew will be granted only where immigration officers are satisfied the New Zealand employer will comply with the requirements specified for such activity;
   2. a high standard of proof is required to satisfy officers that such requirements and the requirements of immigration instructions will be and are being met;
   3. immigration officers must consider the compliance history and particular arrangements (including crew recruitment practices) of individuals associated with the New Zealand employer; and
   4. permission to use foreign labour will be withdrawn and further permission refused where there is any breach of requirements other than of a minor nature, that has not been remedied to the satisfaction of Immigration New Zealand.

Effective 08/05/2017