A former Afghan language interpreter believes the New Zealand Government’s decision to offer resettlement to translators has saved his family’s life.

Sometimes risking your life as an interpreter in a warzone can make you eligible for special benefits. Now thanks to a New Zealand Government program, such is the case for former Afghan language translators who have served that government in the ongoing War in Afghanistan.

One such interpreter is Diamond Kazimi who has lived in New Zealand for more than a year. Kazimi says the Government’s offer to allow interpreters who worked for the New Zealand-led Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Afghanistan to resettle in New Zealand was the right thing to do. The former Afghan translators had feared for their lives after helping New Zealand troops and police in Afghanistan.

Kazimi believes that he and his brother, who was also offered asylum through the new program, will settle down well, because they have already been exposed to the New Zealand culture through contact with Kiwi troops.

“The local employees have provided a valuable service and particularly the interpreters as they worked side-by side with the PRT on patrols. This is a balanced duty of care package that is both affordable and manageable,” said New Zealand Defense Minister Dr. Jonathan Coleman.

The current package means up to 116 individuals (interpreters plus dependents) will be resettled to New Zealand.

Interpreters or other locally employed staff who were dismissed for either theft or dishonesty are not eligible, the Government said.