Refugee Survey highlighted strong settlement outcomes and areas to improve

New research has provided insight into how former refugees have been settling in New Zealand and how their experiences could help shape future services.

New findings from Immigration New Zealand’s Refugee Survey show many former refugees are settling well in New Zealand, with a strong sense of belonging and positive outcomes for families.

The survey, carried out last year, focused on 3 key areas of settlement:

• education and English language learning
• employment
• participation in New Zealand life.

It provided important insight into refugees’ own experiences, information 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.”

Results showed high participation in English language learning and strong feelings of belonging, particularly where family and community connections were present. Of the 525 respondents to the survey, 77% said that they had a strong sense of belonging in New Zealand. They said that the top 3 contributors to this was having their family members in New Zealand (71%), being involved in community groups (44%) and having friends either from their own and from diverse backgrounds (41% equally).

Employment played a key role in supporting settlement, with 72% of respondents in work reporting high job satisfaction. However, some former refugees continued to face challenges, including language barriers, limited New Zealand work experience and recognition of overseas qualifications.

The survey was open to former refugees and family members aged 16 and over who had settled in New Zealand within the last 5 years. It included people from:

• The Refugee Quota
• Refugee Family Support Category
• Community Organisation Refugee Sponsorship
• Afghan evacuees and interpreters
• Recently approved Convention Refugees.

The findings will be used to improve refugee settlement services and inform future surveys.

Read the full report and key findings:

The Refugee Survey

For further information email: media@mbie.govt.nz