Immigration Act Special Advocates urged to seek clearance

The New Zealand Law Society is advising immigration lawyers who are interested in becoming Special Advocates under the Immigration Act 2009 to start seeking the required clearance.

The Act comes into force on 29 November and Special Advocates should apply for New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) clearance as soon as possible.

The Society says the Legal Services Agency has been nominated as the delegated authority for ensuring that there are appropriate lawyers who can be recognised as Special Advocates under the legislation.

The Department of Labour has still to clarify all the criteria that is necessary to become a Special Advocate, but it is clear that Special Advocates need to be subject to NZSIS clearance.

The Society advises immigration lawyers who want to become Special Advocates to make email contact with jan.matthews@lsa.govt.nz.

© New Zealand Law Society 2008