Client recognised as a refugee or a protected person in New Zealand
Some migrants come to New Zealand under the New Zealand Refugee Quota Programme. They are generally known as quota refugees and are recognised as a refugee under the Immigration Act 2002 before they arrive in New Zealand.
Others ask for refugee or protected person status on arrival at the borders of New Zealand (usually international air and seaports), or later, and are known as spontaneous refugees, convention refugees, or asylum seekers. A claim for refugee or protection status can be initiated at any time.
When a person is recognized as a refugee or a protected person in New Zealand under the Immigration Act 2009 either through the New Zealand Refugee Quota Programme or through a process on arrival in New Zealand, they will qualify for social housing on residency grounds from the time they get that refugee or protected person status.
For more information see:
Legislation
- Age and residential qualification clause 5 Ministerial Direction on Eligibility for Social Housing
- Immigration Act 2009
