Published March 2023

Many migrants are dependent on a partner’s ongoing support to secure or maintain their New Zealand visa. This dependency is a well-recognised barrier to migrant victim-survivors being able to exit a situation of family violence. This research report examines New Zealand’s ‘Victims of Family Violence’ immigration policy, identifies key exclusions from the policy’s coverage, and analyses how the policy is being implemented in practice by the Immigration and Protection Tribunal. An analysis is provided of the past decade of Immigration and Protection Tribunal decisions concerning the ‘Victims of Family Violence’ immigration policy. Opportunities are identified for strengthening the immigration response to family violence, with both policy change and education for immigration decision-makers recommended. (From the website). Record #8040