Government confirms Refugee Quota Programme settings for 2025–2028

The New Zealand government has confirmed the settings for the next 3-year cycle of New Zealand’s Refugee Quota Programme, starting on 1 July 2025. The annual quota remains the same for this period, with New Zealand accepting 1,500 refugees each year.

While the overall number is unchanged, there have been adjustments to how places within the quota are allocated. These changes aim to ensure the programme remains responsive to global resettlement needs and continues to operate effectively. Regional allocations and key subcategories supporting vulnerable refugee groups will remain, with some updates to naming for clarity and consistency.

This review is part of the regular 3-year cycle and reflects government decisions based on current international trends and operational considerations.

Key changes

More flexible use of quota places

The fixed annual allocation of 200 (+/- 10%) places for large-scale refugee crises is being removed. These places will now be used as general protection places, with the Minister of Immigration retaining the ability to allocate places to specific crises as needed, rather than on a fixed yearly basis.

Upcoming conclusion dates of some subcategories

The New Zealand - Australia Refugee Resettlement Arrangement (the Arrangement) came into effect on 1 July 2022 and is set to end on 30 June 2025.

The subcategory for Afghan refugees, introduced in 2022, will also expire on 30 June 2025. Afghan nationals will continue to be resettled through the Asia-Pacific regional allocation, which remains unchanged.

Reallocation to general protection

Places from the expiring subcategories will be folded back into the general protection category. This will support a more flexible and needs-based approach to global resettlement.

Regional allocations maintained

The regional distribution of general protection places remains:

• 50% Asia-Pacific
• 20% Middle East
• 20% Africa
• 10% Americas.

These allocations are based on global displacement trends, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) data, and New Zealand’s capacity to support successful settlement.

Retention of key subcategories

The subcategories for women at risk, medical needs, and emergency or urgent resettlement remain part of the programme. These categories have been renamed to improve clarity and continue to play a vital role in supporting particularly vulnerable refugees.