New Zealand expands resettlement scheme for Afghan interpreters

Nine Afghan interpreters who worked for New Zealand forces in Afghanistan will be given New Zealand residence along with 26 family members over fears they could face persecution in their home country. The decision announced Friday came after critics questioned the New Zealand government's decision in December last year to resettle only 30 Afghan interpreters its forces had employed and their 64 family members in April. "Local interpreters worked on the front lines with New Zealand personnel in Afghanistan. The government recognizes its duty of care to these men and their wives and children, and is committed to fulfilling that duty," Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse said in a statement. "Our brave New Zealand forces put themselves in harm's way in a foreign country to help the people of Afghanistan. In turn, these local interpreters worked side-by-side with New Zealanders towards the same goal." The residency package was originally opened only to interpreters who had worked for the New Zealand-led Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Bamyan Province within the previous two years, but critics pointed out that other interpreters who had worked with the team over its 10-year deployment could also be in danger if they remained in Afghanistan. The government then invited those who believed they had a case to come to New Zealand to write to the Immigration Minister requesting residence as an exception to normal policy. "These nine interpreters took up that invitation. After considering their service and circumstances, my decision now clears the way for them and their families to join their former colleagues and become first generation New Zealanders," said Woodhouse. The government would arrange travel from Afghanistan to New Zealand and an acclimatization program for the families. "I've asked officials to prioritize these cases. However, there is a lot of work in relocating whole families from Afghanistan, and arrangements will be made to bring these families here as soon as possible over the coming months," said Woodhouse.