New Zealand has introduced temporary rules that suspend the recognition of international adoptions from Nigeria and other countries, affecting immigration and citizenship applications for adopted children.
The government has recently announced changes to protect children and young people while a review of adoption laws and policies is underway.
Immigration New Zealand stated that, from September 18, 2025, most overseas adoptions will no longer be recognised for immigration or citizenship purposes, unless the adoption is from a country on the exempt list.
Suspension of Recognition for Overseas Adoptions
Under the interim policy, overseas adoptions completed according to the laws of the country where the adoption took place will no longer be recognised in the country if they are from non-exempt countries. This suspension impacts visa and citizenship applications that rely on the parent-child relationship for New Zealand citizens and residents.
Immigration New Zealand states that children adopted from countries not on the exempt list will be ineligible for resident and visitor visas based on the relationship with their adoptive New Zealand citizen or resident parents.
Exempt Countries and Impact on Visa Eligibility
The policy includes a list of exempt countries whose adoptions remain recognised for immigration purposes. Adoptions from these countries will still be accepted for visa and citizenship applications.
For New Zealand citizens and residents adopting children from non-exempt countries, new visa applications for the adopted children are likely to be declined. This applies to visas where the application is based on the parent-child relationship, and the adoption took place in a country not on the exempt list or not part of the Hague Convention.
Visit link for list of exempt countries:https://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2025/0206/latest/LMS1513937.html?search=ta_bill%40bill_A_bc%40bcur_an%40bn%40rn_25_a&p=1#:~:text=Schedule%C2%A01AAB,Exempt%20countries
Exceptions for Non-Citizens and Ongoing Applications
The measures do not apply to non-New Zealand citizens or residents. These individuals can still include adopted children in their visa applications based on the parent-child relationship. INZ clarifies that for each parent supporting an adopted child’s visa application, the parent must not be a New Zealand citizen or resident.
For example, an adopted child from a non-exempt country can be included in a family visa application for residence or visitor visas if the parent is not a New Zealand citizen or resident.
Additionally, applications already submitted before the change that are based on parent-child relationships will continue to be processed, even if the adoption is from a non-exempt country or a country not part of the Hague Convention.
