Refugees and Asylum Seekers in New Zealand
New Zealand is a party to both the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. Annually the New Zealand government accepts a UNHCR mandated refugee quota of 750 places. Additionally New Zealand accepts up to 300 Refugee Family Support applications plus people who seek asylum as refugees, assessed in accordance with the criteria for refugee status set out in article 1 A (2) of the 1951 Convention. Refugee status applicants who are declined have the right of appeal to the Refugee Status Appeals Authority (RSAA). Refugees accepted within the refugee quota and those who gain refugee status as asylum seekers have the status of New Zealand residents.
Approximately 1250 refugees are awarded residency annually in New Zealand through the mandated UNHCR Quota Refugee programme or the gaining of refugee status as asylum seekers. Most refugees and asylum seekers arrive in Auckland with about 30% of quota refugees and between 70-80% of asylum seekers settling in the region.
The needs of refugees differ from other new migrants. Refugees have fled from situations of conflict and human right abuses. This has important implications for the provision of health care.
| Refugees | Migrants |
|---|---|
| Take the quickest way out often without knowing their destination. | Choose their destination country and find out all they can before they leave. |
| Leave hastily, often to escape from harm. | Plan their move. |
| Leave secretly, unable to let loved ones know where they are going. | Pack their belongings and choose what to take and what to leave behind. |
| Afraid to keep in touch with family or friends in their home country. | Say goodbye to family and friends. |
| May not be able to go home if things do not work out in the resettlement country. | Leave a forwarding address. |
| May be able to go home if things do not work out in the destination country. |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can asylum seekers get screened?
- Does Public health screening cost anything for asylum seekers?
- If my immigration visa or appointment is due but my screening at the asylum seeker clinic is later what do I do?
- If I need an interpreter where can I get one?
- How can I get my family from home?
- Are refugees and asylum seekers eligible for publicly provided health services?
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Where can asylum seekers get screened?
Asylum seekers can be screened at the Refugee Health Clinic at Mangere Refugee Reception Centre. To make an appointment, phone (09) 276 6719 between 9am and 12noon. -
Does Public health screening cost anything for asylum seekers?
The service is free of charge. -
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 -
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. -
How can I get my family from home?
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 -
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 (for example, 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 (for example, 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
