FAQ

Frequently asked questions

1. Where can asylum seekers get screened?
2. Does Public health screening cost anything for asylum seekers?
3. If my immigration visa or appointment is due but my screening at the asylum seeker clinic is later what do I do?
4. If I need an Interpreter where can I get one?
5. How can I get my family from home?
6. Are refugees and asylum seekers eligible for publicly provided health services?
7. Frequently asked questions about the 1951 convention
8. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees basic facts
9. What are the dietary requirements for Muslim peoples?

1. Where can asylum seekers get screened?

Asylum seekers can be screened at the the Refugee Health Clinic at Mangere Refugee Reception Centre. To make an appointment, phone (09) 276 6719 between 9am and 12noon.

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2. Does asylum seeker health screening cost anything?

The service is free of charge.

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3. If my immigration visa or appointment is due but my screening at the asylum seeker clinic is later what do I do?

Screening before the interview is not essential, however if you wish to you may try to seek an earlier appointment ring (09) 276 6719 and speak to the Refugee Health Centre Administrator

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4. If I need an Interpreter where can I get one?

An interpreter will be arranged for. When you make an appointment indicate the language that you need interpreted.

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5. How can I bring my family to New Zealand?

Application for family reunion can be made by contacting the New Zealand Immigration Service. Information about this is on the NZIS website:

New Zealand Immigration Service - http://www.immigration.govt.nz

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6. Are refugees and asylum seekers eligible for publicly provided health services?

Refugees and applicant refugees

Individuals with refugee status in New Zealand are eligible, but will need to show proof of your status (eg, an approval letter from the New Zealand Immigration Service (NZIS) confirming refugee status, a residence permit or an open-ended work permit).

Individuals who are in the process of having an application for refugee status determined by the NZIS or in the process of having an appeal determined by the Refugee Status Appeal Authority are also eligible under this clause, but will need to show proof of an application (eg, an acknowledgement letter from the Auckland Refugee Status Branch of NZIS). However, if this letter is more than six months old, you should provide a more recent letter from NZIS confirming that your application is still in progress.

If your application for refugee status was declined, and you have appealed the decision, then, to show that you are eligible, you'll need to show the letter from NZIS confirming that your appeal is in progress.

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7. Frequently asked questions about the 1951 convention

1951 convention

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8. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees basic facts

http://www.unhcr.org/basics.html

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9. What are the dietary requirements for Muslim peoples?

Diet may be an issue for Muslim patients. During Ramadan, many patients resist taking medications or eating during the daytime. Many Muslim people eat only Halal meat and dairy products (meat or by products such as rennin from animals slaughtered according to Islamic tradition). Muslims do not eat pork. Because of shyness, fear of rejection, or lack of knowledge, many may not ask for different meals and it is best to ask if there are any special dietary requirements

Ramadan

Ethnomed Pearls of Cross Cultural Care: Ramadan, 2000

Carey Jackson MD, Negusse Ochbamichael PA, and Ali Mohammed, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA in 1999. Edited by Ellen Howard in 2000.

Ramadan is the fast held in the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This is a very important time for Muslims and many will observe it, often unknown to their non-Moslem colleagues. The community is bound together by fasting and prayer during the day and special foods to be consumed after the sun goes down. The Moslems fast from all food and water from sunrise to sunset. Imams suggest that pregnant women and the sick should exempt themselves from the fast, but many of the devout choose to participate valuing the benefit from the fast above their immediate health concerns. There is the complete abstention from food and liquids during the day, with food consumption at night. The diurnal pattern of caloric intake is obviously reversed and diabetic schedules will have to be adjusted to accommodate this significant change. Since the winter in the north means that the day is short, BID dosing before sunrise and after sunset should be not problem with many medications. Focused discussion about daytime dosing or adjustment of schedules by clinicians will be needed to accommodate the daylight requirements.

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