New Zealand has moved to tighten its immigration rules for internationally adopted children, announcing that most adoptions carried out overseas will no longer be recognised for visa or citizenship purposes.
According to a report by The Economic Times, the new rules will come into force after the Adoption Amendment Bill is passed, suspending section 17 of the Adoption Act 1955 for immigration and citizenship purposes.
Under the new rules, only adoptions from a list of exempt countries, such as those that are part of the Hague Convention, will be accepted. Children adopted from non-exempt countries will no longer be automatically eligible for residence or visitor visas through their relationship with a New Zealand parent.
Officials say the suspension is a safeguard to reduce potential risks of harm to children in international adoption processes, and will stay in place while the Government carries out the changes. The changes will primarily affect New Zealand citizens and residents who adopt children overseas, as they will now face stricter rules when applying for visas or citizenship on behalf of their adopted children, The Economic Times reported.
New applications for children adopted from non-exempt countries are likely to be declined, although applications already lodged will continue to be processed under the existing system.
In contrast, migrant families who are not New Zealand citizens or residents will still be able to include adopted children in their visa applications, regardless of the country where the adoption took place.
Authorities have advised families to check the exempt country list and consider alternative immigration options. Guidance is available on the Ministry of Justice’s Adoption Law Reform website.