C2.5 Who may determine whether a person is recognised as a refugee or protected person

See also Immigration Act 2009 ss 127, 149, 390

1. Every refugee and protection claim must be determined by a refugee and protection officer. Refugee and protection officers are INZ employees whom the chief executive has designated to undertake refugee and protection status determinations. No person who is currently employed to consider applications for visas or to administer the deportation provisions of the Immigration Act 2009 may be designated as, or act as, a refugee and protection officer.
2. In carrying out their functions under the Immigration Act 2009 refugee and protection officers must act in accordance with that Act and to the extent that a matter relating to a refugee or a person claiming recognition as a refugee is not dealt with in the Act, in a manner consistent with New Zealand's obligations under the Convention.

Effective 29/11/2010