Immigration NZ update: Refugee Quota Programme
COVID-19 has impacted on Immigration NZ’s ability to travel internationally to undertake settlement missions, which hugely affected the refugees’ protection and resettlement needs. As a result, there are now measures in place to manage the health and wellbeing risks for refugee families and communities in New Zealand. Meantime, Immigration NZ is planning to resettle 750-1,000 individuals in 2021/2022, under the Refugee Quota Programme
Managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ)
Refugees arriving in New Zealand will go into MIQ. They will observe the same COVID-19 health-related requirements as other arrivals to New Zealand.
- Refugees will arrive in small groups in a staged approach.
- Refugees will be matched to the availability of MIQ spaces and confirmation of securing safe international travel and transit arrangements.
- Refugees who arrive in New Zealand under the Refugee Quota Programme are granted Permanent Residence status in New Zealand and will not pay MIQ fees.
- Refugees will have access to interpreters, health services and mental health support, supplemented with virtual welfare support provided by staff from Te Āhuru Mōwai o Aotearoa (the Māngere Refugee Resettlement Centre).
- Translated MIQ information and settlement resources will be provided.
After the required 14-day stay at MIQ, they will transfer to Te Āhuru Mōwai o Aotearoa (the Māngere Refugee Resettlement Centre). They will not depart Te Āhuru Mōwai O Aotearoa until housing has been secured in their settlement location.
News source: RQP email dated 11 May 2021: Update on 2201/2022 plan for Refugee Quota Programme.
