Grave Concerns for Civilians
New Zealand expresses deep concern regarding the impact of the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel on civilians. The tragic loss of life is appalling, and the Government, along with our international partners, continues to closely monitor the situation.
Humanitarian Support and Contributions
In response to the escalating humanitarian crisis, New Zealand has committed five tranches of support totalling NZ$22 million. This substantial contribution aims to address urgent humanitarian needs resulting from the conflict. The breakdown of this support includes:
- NZ$10.5 million to the World Food Programme (WFP)
- NZ$5 million to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
- NZ$4.5 million to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
- NZ$2 million to the United Nations 2720 Mechanism for Gaza
New Zealand actively supports humanitarian efforts by partnering with organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and the World Food Programme to provide essential aid in Gaza.
Visa Pathways and Immigration Policy
While New Zealand has historically created new visa pathways for certain conflicts, these decisions are driven by specific circumstances unique to each situation. For instance:
- Afghanistan: New Zealand took targeted measures due to Afghan nationals being at risk because of their previous work with the New Zealand Defence Force and other agencies in Afghanistan.
- Ukraine: The situation with Ukraine was distinct as the UNHCR could not refer people from Ukraine through INZ’s refugee quota, resulting in limited pathways for Ukrainian refugees.
Any potential changes to immigration policy settings in response to such conflicts are determined by the Government.
INZ’s Response to the Ongoing Israel-Hamas Conflict
Understanding and Sympathizing with Affected Families
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) acknowledges the challenging circumstances many individuals are facing due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. We deeply sympathize with those separated from their loved ones during these stressful times.
New Zealand’s Refugee Support Commitment
New Zealand’s primary avenue of support for international refugee situations is through the Refugee Quota Programme, which accommodates 1,500 refugees annually. Individuals accepted under this program are referred to INZ by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Special Processes for Conflict-Affected Applicants
In response to the current crisis, INZ has implemented specific processes to ensure consistency and priority for applications received from individuals in the affected regions:
- All visitor visa applications from Palestinian and Israeli passport holders are processed at a single office.
- A dedicated INZ mailbox has been established for applicants seeking prioritization of their visa applications.
- The New Zealand Embassy in Cairo is providing consular assistance to New Zealand citizens and residents attempting to exit Gaza. To date, 26 New Zealand citizens and permanent residents have successfully left Gaza with our assistance.
Furthermore, the New Zealand Embassy in Cairo continues to engage with both Israeli and Egyptian governments to facilitate the departure of valid New Zealand visa holders from Gaza.
Current Status of Visa Applications
As of August 21, 2024, since October 7, 2023:
- INZ has received a total of 648 visa applications from Israeli nationals, comprising both temporary and residence visas. Of these, 535 applications have been approved, 19 declined, while the rest remain in progress or have been withdrawn.
- For Palestinian passport holders, INZ has received 155 visa applications. Out of these, 98 were approved, 32 declined, with the remainder pending or withdrawn.
To date, 150 Israeli nationals and 28 Palestinians have arrived in New Zealand under various visa categories following approval.
Commitment Moving Forward
INZ remains committed to prioritizing and processing visa applications for individuals impacted by the Israel-Hamas conflict. We will continue our dedicated efforts to assist all affected applicants during these trying times.
For more information on New Zealand’s response to the Israel-Hamas conflict, visit the [Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s website].
