Refugee, protected person, Afghan interpreter or Afghan evacuee
If the client meets all the qualifications they can get a Special Needs Grant for re-establishment costs if they are a refugee, protected person, Afghan interpreter or Afghan evacuee and they do not qualify for other forms of government assistance that are not provided by MSD.
Note a client must apply to MSD within 1 year of their first arrival in New Zealand (or 2 years if they are applying for English language classes assistance).
Immigration status
A person applying for refugee, protected person status or residence as they were an Afghan interpreter is not entitled to a re-establishment grant unless or until their application, including a residence class visa, is approved by Immigration New Zealand.
An Afghan evacuee is entitled to a re-establishment grant if they are:
- a New Zealand citizen or
- hold a residence class visa (including an Afghan Emergency Resettlement Visa) or
- have applied for an Afghan Emergency Resettlement Visa
Refugee Family Support Resident Visa
Clients who hold a Refugee Family Support Resident Visa cannot get a re-establishment grant if they are not themselves recognised as a refugee or protected person.
They are considered an immigrant not a refugee or a protected person.
For more information see:
Legislation
- Refugees, Protected Persons, Afghan Interpreters and Afghan Evacuees clause 15.1 Special Needs Grants Programme
