Some refugees transferred to Nauru or Papua New Guinea by Australia may be able to resettle permanently in New Zealand.
This option is open to eligible refugees who were transferred offshore by Australia and are now in Nauru, Australia or Papua New Guinea.
Read more below about how this works, who can be resettled, the steps of the process, and how to get started.
People in Nauru or Australia
New Zealand has agreed to resettle up to 150 refugees each year for three years (July 2022 to July 2025). This is for people who were transferred offshore by Australia on or after 19 July 2013 and are now in Nauru or Australia.
This agreement is between the Australian and New Zealand Governments. UNHCR will assess and prepare cases to be referred to New Zealand for resettlement under this agreement.
Read the UNHCR media statement on Resettlement to New Zealand for transferred people.
People in Papua New Guinea
People who were transferred offshore by Australia on or after 19 July 2013 and are now in Papua New Guinea may also be eligible for resettlement to New Zealand.
Although those in Papua New Guinea were not included in the agreement between the Australian and New Zealand governments, UNHCR has agreed with New Zealand to refer eligible refugees from Papua New Guinea who were transferred offshore by Australia.
As part of its normal work with the New Zealand Government, UNHCR will assess and prepare cases to be referred to New Zealand for resettlement consideration.
The New Zealand resettlement process for people in Papua New Guinea will be the same as the process for people in Nauru and Australia.
Who can be resettled under these agreements?
To be eligible for resettlement to New Zealand under these agreements, you must:
- Have been transferred offshore by Australia on or after 19 July 2013
- Currently be residing in Nauru, Papua New Guinea or Australia
- Meet New Zealand’s Refugee Quota Programme requirements
UNHCR will prioritize refugees who are not currently in another resettlement pathway (such as with the United States or Canada), and who have not recently withdrawn from If another pathway.
Who can’t be resettled?
You are not eligible to be resettled under these agreements if you:
- Were transferred offshore by Australia before 19 July 2013
- Are not in Nauru, Papua New Guinea or Australia
- Do not meet New Zealand’s Refugee Quota Programme requirements
If you are engaged in another resettlement pathway (such as with the US or Canada), we encourage you to remain in that pathway. This is your best chance at resettlement. If your case is not accepted by the other resettlement country, UNHCR may consider your case for New Zealand at that time.
How does it work?
UNHCR and the New Zealand government will assess each case individually through a 14-step process.
If you start the process, you are still not guaranteed resettlement to New Zealand.
Read more about the steps in this process.
What do I need to do first?
Complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form to start the process.
Completing an Expression of Interest (EOI) does not mean that you have completed an application for resettlement to New Zealand.
Completing an EOI does not mean that you are guaranteed resettlement to New Zealand.
The EOI does tell UNHCR that you are interested in resettlement to New Zealand. If you complete an EOI, UNHCR will review your case and tell you if you are eligible, and what will happen next.
Download a leaflet with a summary of information on the New Zealand resettlement process.
IMPORTANT: All UNHCR services are free of charge. Do not trust anyone or any organization asking you to pay for our services. If you have any questions about the information shared in this message, you can contact UNHCR by email: [email protected]
