Does New Zealand accept asylum seekers?

New Zealand has signed an international convention that supports the right of people to seek asylum. New Zealand is a signatory to: 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. 1984 Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

What happens to asylum seekers when they come to Australia?

Under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) (the Migration Act), asylum seekers who arrive in Australia, whether on the mainland or an ‘excised offshore place’, without a valid visa must be held in immigration detention until they are granted a visa or removed from Australia.

What happens to asylum seekers who are rejected in Australia?

Once in Australia, an asylum seeker applies for refugee status to Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA). If DIMIA rejects the application, the asylum seeker can apply to the Refugee Review Tribunal (RRT).

How are refugees resettled into New Zealand?

Refugees arrive in New Zealand in 3 ways. Through the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) resettlement programme. As convention refugees — people who have fled from their own country because they fear persecution or harm. Family members joining refugees already living here.

Is it easy to get asylum in New Zealand?

For those attempting to seek asylum in New Zealand, the path is rarely straightforward. Tim Maurice of Asylum Seekers Support Trust gives us a glimpse of life as an asylum seeker. OPINION: The room is alive with conversation.

Where did the asylum seekers come from that Australia sent back?

Australian sailors then transferred the 65 asylum seekers – who had come originally from Bangladesh, Burma and Sri Lanka – to two smaller boats and sent them back to Indonesia, said Endang: “We have given you the evidence. It’s now up to you and other organisations to demand an answer from the Australian government.”

Is there a cap on number of asylum seekers in Australia?

Under changes to the law made in 2014, the Minister of Immigration can now place a ‘cap’ on protection visas issued to refugees in any year. This does not apply to temporary protection visas, but affects people seeking asylum by plane.

Who are refugees and protection claimants in New Zealand?

People who lodge a claim for refugee or protection status in New Zealand are known as refugee and protection claimants. New Zealand has signed an international convention that supports the right of people to seek asylum. New Zealand is a signatory to: