Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has released new findings from its Refugee Survey, offering insight into how former refugees are settling in New Zealand and how their experiences could shape future services. According to INZ, the results show that many former refugees are settling well, with a strong sense of belonging and positive outcomes for their families.
The survey was carried out last year and looked at three key areas of settlement.
- education and English language learning
- employment
- participation in New Zealand life.
INZ says the survey provided information about refugees’ own experiences that had not previously been available through existing data sources.
National Manager Refugee Migrant Services Andrew Lockhart said the survey helped lift the voices of people with lived experience.
“For the first time, we have been able to hear directly from former refugees about how settlement has worked for them, what has helped, and where there are still challenges,” Mr Lockhart said.
“This gives us a much stronger evidence base to improve services and ensure support is focused where it can make the biggest difference.”
What the results showed
The findings pointed to high participation in English language learning and strong feelings of belonging, particularly where family and community connections were present. Of the 525 people who responded, 77% said they had a strong sense of belonging in New Zealand. Respondents identified the top three contributors to this as having family members in New Zealand (71%), being involved in community groups (44%), and having friends from their own and from diverse backgrounds (41% equally).
Employment also played a key role in supporting settlement, with 72% of respondents who were in work reporting high job satisfaction. However, INZ notes that some former refugees continued to face challenges, including language barriers, limited New Zealand work experience and recognition of overseas qualifications.
Who took part
The survey was open to former refugees and family members aged 16 and over who had settled in New Zealand within the last five years. It included people from the following groups.
- the Refugee Quota
- Refugee Family Support Category
- Community Organisation Refugee Sponsorship
- Afghan evacuees and interpreters
- recently approved Convention Refugees.
INZ says the findings will be used to improve refugee settlement services and to inform future surveys.
The full report and key findings are available here: The Refugee Survey.
For further information email: media@mbie.govt.nz
