Auckland: New Zealand has introduced a new initiative to make international travel easier for refugees resettling in the country. From July 2026, eligible refugees arriving through the Refugee Quota Programme will receive support to apply for a Refugee Travel Document, a secure and internationally recognised travel document that will help them travel abroad and establish their new lives in New Zealand.
The initiative is being delivered jointly by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) as part of efforts to improve access to reliable travel documentation for former refugees.
Previously, refugees arriving in New Zealand without valid travel documents were issued an INZ Certificate of Identity, which enabled them to travel safely to New Zealand. That document will continue to be used for their initial journey, as Refugee Travel Documents cannot be issued outside New Zealand.
Under the new arrangement, refugees aged 16 years and older who arrive through the Refugee Quota Programme and meet the eligibility criteria will be assisted in applying for a Refugee Travel Document after they arrive in New Zealand.
The Refugee Travel Document is a passport-like document issued by the Department of Internal Affairs. It offers stronger security features, is recognised by more countries internationally, and has a longer period of validity than the Certificate of Identity.
Officials say the change will provide former refugees with greater confidence when proving their identity, travelling overseas, and accessing essential services. It is also expected to make it easier for refugees to maintain family and community connections, pursue education or employment opportunities abroad, and participate more fully in everyday life.
The Government says the initiative reflects New Zealand’s ongoing commitment to supporting refugees as they rebuild their lives, integrate into local communities, and establish a secure future in the country.
New Zealand has operated its Refugee Quota Programme for decades, resettling refugees referred by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The introduction of Refugee Travel Documents is expected to further strengthen the country’s refugee resettlement system by providing eligible former refugees with internationally recognised documentation that better meets their long-term travel and identity needs.
