New Zealand says it will start receiving refugees again this month, nearly a year after it shut its borders to stop the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, Reuters reports.

A group of 35 refugees will arrive this month, with about 210 refugees expected to enter the country by June 30, Immigration New Zealand and officials said.

“With health protocols in place and safe travel routes, we are ready to welcome small groups of refugee families as New Zealand residents to this country, to begin their new lives,” Fiona Whiteridge, general manager for refugee and migrant services at Immigration New Zealand, said in a statement.

Opinion

Editorial

External woes
Updated 21 May, 2026

External woes

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Political activity
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Political activity

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Seizing hope
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Hormuz gamble
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The unkindest cut
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The unkindest cut

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Ad hoc culture
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Ad hoc culture

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