New safeguards for overseas adoptions proposed
Would create an enduring system for international and overseas adoptions, with safeguards for children and citizenship arrangements.
Overseas Adoptions Legislation Bill
What's changing
- The bill would create an ongoing system for international and overseas adoptions.
- It would change the Adoption Act 1955 and Citizenship Act 1977.
- It would also change some related secondary legislation.
- The system would aim to protect adopted children and support New Zealand’s immigration and citizenship systems.
Who's affected
People involved in international or overseas adoptions, including adopted children, adoptive applicants, and adoption authorities, would be affected.
When
This is still a proposal being examined or debated in Parliament, and no start date has been given.
Background
The bill’s stated aim is to create an enduring system for international and overseas adoptions that supports adopted people’s wellbeing, prevents exploitation, meets New Zealand’s international obligations, and protects immigration and citizenship systems. The 2025 changes temporarily stopped some overseas adoptions being recognised for citizenship and immigration purposes after concerns about safeguards and serious harm to some children and young people.