New Zealand is deeply distressed by the escalating crisis and loss of human life in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Government is continuing to monitor the situation closely, along with our partners. New Zealand is supporting the humanitarian efforts of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the World Food Programme to address the urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza.

We understand the difficult situation this crisis is causing for many and have great sympathy for those separated from their loved ones during this stressful time.

New Zealand is a small country and there are limitations on how many people we can support given our capacity constraints. The primary way New Zealand provides support for international refugee situations is through the Refugee Quota, with an annual quota of 1500 people per annum. Refugees accepted through the Refugee Quota are referred to us by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). We also contribute to international peacekeeping and disarmament and to funding humanitarian aid through the United Nations and non-government organisations.

Ukraine was a unique situation given the fact that the UNHCR was unable to refer people to New Zealand through our Refugee Quota, which meant there were no existing pathways for Ukrainian nationals. Afghanistan was also another situation where unique circumstances required a targeted approach as Afghan nationals were at risk of harm due to their work for the New Zealand Defence Force and other agencies in Afghanistan.

Any decisions on changes to immigration policy settings would be a matter for the Government.

Since the conflict between Israel and Hamas started, Immigration New Zealand has put in place processes to ensure consistency and priority allocation for any applications received for people living in these locations.

These processes include:

• All visitor visa general applications from Palestinian and Israeli nationals are being processed in the same office.
• A mailbox has been set up for applicants, who are seeking support through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), to use to request prioritisation of applications.

We are also providing case-by-case advice and support to MFAT for New Zealand citizens and residents attempting to leave Gaza and travel to New Zealand.

We will continue to prioritise and process applications for people impacted by the conflict along with supporting MFAT.