assistance must have a right to remain in the country. This effectively rules out the possibility of asylum seekers receiving such assistance. While asylum seekers are eligible for some government assistance, it is insufficient to cover the market rent of houses. Some asylum seekers who receive the emergency benefit may be eligible for assistance on a case-by-case basis. As of June 2014, the New Zealand government cut all funding to the Asylum Seekers Support Trust (formerly the Auckland Refugee Council) who provided Auckland’s only asylum seeker accommodation. However, due to significant community support, the hostel has been able to remain open and has operated at full capacity. It must be recognised first that the service provided by the Asylum Seekers Support Trust is limited. Secondly, asylum seekers are often destitute and traumatized, having had to flee and leave family behind. It seems evident that there is a gap in support here because upon arrival, many are largely without assistance and unable to cover the market rent of a house. Asylum seekers: to work Asylum seekers are able to work as long as they have a work visa to remain in New Zealand. In order to be issued with a work visa, asylum seekers must demonstrate a need to work to support themselves in New Zealand while their claims are ongoing. Immigration New Zealand now issues work visas with a twelve-month validity to increase the incentive to employ asylum seekers, and improve job prospects.
assistance must have a right to remain in the country. This effectively rules out the possibility of asylum seekers receiving such assistance. While asylum seekers are eligible for some government assistance, it is insufficient to cover the market rent of houses. Some asylum seekers who receive the emergency benefit may be eligible for assistance on a case-by-case basis. As of June 2014, the New Zealand government cut all funding to the Asylum Seekers Support Trust (formerly the Auckland Refugee Council) who provided Auckland’s only asylum seeker accommodation. However, due to significant community support, the hostel has been able to remain open and has operated at full capacity. It must be recognised first that the service provided by the Asylum Seekers Support Trust is limited. Secondly, asylum seekers are often destitute and traumatized, having had to flee and leave family behind. It seems evident that there is a gap in support here because upon arrival, many are largely without assistance and unable to cover the market rent of a house. Asylum seekers: to work Asylum seekers are able to work as long as they have a work visa to remain in New Zealand. In order to be issued with a work visa, asylum seekers must demonstrate a need to work to support themselves in New Zealand while their claims are ongoing. Immigration New Zealand now issues work visas with a twelve-month validity to increase the incentive to employ asylum seekers, and improve job prospects.
INT_CESCR_ICS_NZL_22909_E.docx