5 March 2025
Tēnā koe Adam Irish,
Official Information Act request
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) transferred part of your Official Information
request to the Ministry of Social Development (the Ministry) on 12 February
2025, regarding support available for refugees.
I have considered your request under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act).
Whether refugees are eligible for social welfare upon arrival and, if so: The
types of support available. The average annual cost of this support per
refugee.
The Ministry works alongside INZ as part of the Refugee Quota Programme with
INZ being the lead agency. Further information can be found here:
www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/preparing-a-visa-application/living-
in-new-zealand-permanently/information-for-refugees-and-asylum-
seekers/guides-and-resources-for-asylum-seekers. The Ministry assists refugees (regarded as former refugees once they arrive in
NZ and are accepted under one of the refugee categories) with the transition to a
resettlement region after their arrival. The Ministry have dedicated Work and
Income Resettlement Co-ordinators who liaise with former refugees upon their
arrival into the resettlement region.
Resettlement Co-ordinators ensure that settlement needs are met, book follow
up appointments and coordinate orientation activities for groups and individuals
with local service providers. Once former refugees are housed and settled, the
Ministry continues to work with former refugees and help those with work
obligations to prepare and search for work. Job search assistance includes access
to appropriate skills training courses and work brokerage services to help match
refugees to suitable employment.
In terms of financial support for former refugees, each individual’s situation is
evaluated to determine their eligibility for what financial assistance they may
qualify for, particularly regarding residency requirements. Former refugees who
arrive in New Zealand through the Quota Refugee allocation, Asylum Seeker,
Family Support or Convention Refugee visas are eligible to receive social welfare
support upon their arrival. Typically, they may receive the Emergency Benefit
(EB) along with any additional assistance for which they may qualify.
If a former refugee, protected person, Afghan Interpreter or Afghan evacuee,
who does not qualify for other forms of government assistance that are not
The Aurora Centre, 56 The Terrace, PO Box 1556, Wellington
– Telephone 04-916 3300 – Facsimile 04-918 0099
provided by the Ministry, may be paid a Special Needs grant to re-establish
themselves in the community to a maximum of $5000. Further information can
be found her
e: /www.workandincome.govt.nz/map/income-support/extra-
help/special-needs-grant/refugee-protected-person-or-afghan-interpreter.html. Additionally, former refugees may access non-financial support through the
Pathways to Employment programme, more details can be found at the following
link
: www.redcross.org.nz/get-help/help-for-refugees/finding-a-job and
information regarding the eligibility criteria for primary benefits can be found
her
e: www.workandincome.govt.nz/map/income-support/main-
benefits/index.html
Your request for ‘
The average annual cost of this support per refugee’, is refused
under section 18(g) of the Act as the information you had requested is not held
by the Ministry and I have no grounds to believe that the information is either
held by or closely connected to the functions of another department, Minister of
the Crown or organisation.
I will be publishing this decision letter, with your personal details deleted, on the
Ministry’s website in due course.
If you wish to discuss this response with us, please feel free to contact
[email address]. If you are not satisfied with my decision on your request, you have the right to
seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman. Information about how to
make a complaint is available
at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or 0800 802
602.
Ngā mihi
pp.
Anna Graham
General Manager
Ministerial and Executive Services
