Abstract
This article presents current and relevant research findings relating to settlement in Aotearoa New Zealand for both refugees and migrants. The article looks at how losses experienced through migration impact on settlement outcomes. Protective and risk factors for new migrants’ adjustment including family and social support networks, language issues, employment opportunities, discrimination and prejudice as well as the size of different migrant communities are all explored. Social policy which aims to achieve social cohesion must adequately address the needs of both newcomers and host society members. Social workers need to be aware of the settlement issues faced by their clients at the micro, meso and macro levels in order to competently and ethically meet their clients’ needs in this field of practice. The article provides evidence based on research for practice.
Highlights
The movement of people across borders is an international phenomenon, an expression of globalisation with implications for the economic and political stability of nations and their cultural identity
Migrants to New Zealand currently face numerous settlement issues, many of which are different from those faced by previous migrants
It is important that government and nongovernment agencies have relevant policies and service provisions in place, to enhance the settlement experiences of all immigrants arriving from vastly different cultural and linguistic backgrounds (Bedford et al, 2000)
Summary
The movement of people (voluntary and forced) across borders is an international phenomenon, an expression of globalisation with implications for the economic and political stability of nations and their cultural identity. Abbott et al (2000, p.54) note that: Migration involves losses, disruption to families and life patterns and exposure to multiple stressors, new experiences and challenges. These are all magnified when...migrants relocate in a very different culture and become members of a visible ethnic minority. A small number of refugees may qualify for residence under the Family or Partnership categories of the normal immigration policy. Policy requirements for this process are onerous and often impossible for refugee applicants to meet. These are people for whom there would normally be no legal obstacles preventing their return to where they came from
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