Update: Representatives acting for Mr Kumar have been in touch with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) today requesting more time to make the necessary arrangements for him to travel to Fiji. INZ has agreed to give the representatives a week to provide details. No deportation action will take place in the meantime.

MEDIA RELEASE

27 FEBRUARY 2014

Fijian national encouraged to leave New Zealand voluntarily

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is urging Fijian national Sanil Kumar to leave New Zealand voluntarily so that he can apply for a visitor visa to come back to New Zealand when the money has been raised for the kidney transplant he needs.

INZ’s Acting Compliance Operations Manager Natalie Gardiner says an application for a work visa by Mr Kumar was declined in July last year after a labour market test found there were New Zealanders suitable or trainable for his job as a metal trades worker.

Mr Kumar has been given until tomorrow to depart voluntarily or face deportation. A voluntary departure does not preclude people returning to New Zealand if they are able to obtain the necessary visa.  But if he is deported he will face a ban of up to five years on returning to New Zealand, as well as having to repay any costs associated with deportation.

“INZ is advised that peritoneal dialysis facilities – the type of dialysis he is receiving – are available in Fiji,” Ms Gardiner says. “It’s important that all migrants have an acceptable standard of health to minimise costs and demands on New Zealand’s health services. INZ acknowledges that money is being raised for the $130,000 cost of a transplant for Mr Kumar, but he has already incurred significant health debts in the region of $30,000.”

Although Mr Kumar has been unlawfully in New Zealand since July INZ has given him until 28 February to settle his affairs and arrange his medical treatment.

ENDS

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