Key Points
- New Zealand will continue to admit 1,500 refugees annually through 2028.
- A fixed allocation for large-scale crises is being replaced with flexible protections.
- The New Zealand–Australia Arrangement and Afghan subcategory expired on June 30, 2025.
- Regional allocations remain focused on the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Africa, and the Americas.
Overview
On July 1, 2025, New Zealand launched its updated Refugee Quota Programme for the 2025–2028 triennium. The programme confirms the government’s commitment to resettling 1,500 refugees annually, maintaining the current intake target through June 2028. These quotas are supported by a refined approach to allocation and category management, allowing greater responsiveness to global refugee protection needs.
One of the most notable changes is the elimination of the fixed 200-place allocation previously set aside for large-scale refugee crises. These cases will now fall under the general protection category, which gives the Minister of Immigration broader discretion to adapt to urgent humanitarian circumstances as they arise. This change is designed to allow faster and more effective deployment of New Zealand’s refugee resettlement resources in times of international crisis.
The expiration of the New Zealand–Australia resettlement arrangement and the Afghan subcategory, both of which concluded on June 30, 2025, marks the end of two dedicated refugee pathways. However, Afghan nationals will continue to be eligible for resettlement under the Asia-Pacific regional stream.
The updated plan maintains New Zealand’s regional allocation model, with 50% of resettled refugees coming from the Asia-Pacific region, 20% from the Middle East, 20% from Africa, and 10% from the Americas. These percentages align with the government’s long-term humanitarian objectives while offering geographic balance.
Looking Ahead
The continuation of New Zealand’s refugee quota reflects its enduring commitment to international protection responsibilities. The program’s revised allocation structure allows for more agile responses to global displacement trends, which may prove especially valuable as geopolitical conditions evolve. Immigration practitioners should remain vigilant for potential updates to operational procedures related to regional resettlement streams, particularly for applicants affected by the expiration of category-specific arrangements.
