How This Tongan Avoided Deportation After Overstaying For 20 Years
A family in New Zealand, Loasi Latu and her husband, faced the daunting prospect of being asked to leave the country voluntarily due to their overstayer status from Tonga. However, the situation took a turn when it was revealed that Latu is the essential carer for her brother Viliami, a resident of New Zealand who requires round-the-clock care for his intellectual disability and epilepsy. Contact Immigration Lawyer NZ for any questions.
Well, folks, in this NZ immigration news, it looks like a bit of sense and humanity has prevailed in the case of Loasi Latu. After a protracted battle with Immigration NZ, Latu and her husband have finally been granted a five-year temporary visa. This isn't the permanent residency they were aiming for, but it's a significant reprieve that keeps the family together and allows them to continue the fight for a more stable future.
Latu, as you might recall, has been the full-time carer for her brother Viliami, who is a New Zealand resident. His condition requires constant support due to his intellectual disability and epilepsy. The looming threat of deportation was not just a bureaucratic inconvenience but a potential catastrophe for Viliami's wellbeing.
Associate Immigration Minister Chris Penk has, after much public and political pressure, made the right call here. The family expressed their immense relief and gratitude, highlighting the crucial support from community leaders. It's a testament to what can be achieved when a community rallies behind a just cause.
The ordeal has been nothing short of a nightmare – exhausting and stressful beyond measure. The family is worn out, running on adrenaline these past few weeks, but now they can finally breathe a sigh of relief. They're looking forward to some much-needed rest, a bit of church, and a good feast.
But let's not kid ourselves – this isn't the end of the road. The family knows there's still work to be done to secure permanent residency for Latu. They’ll continue to engage with Immigration NZ to find a long-term solution. For now, though, it's a moment of respite and gratitude, a small victory in what has been a gruelling fight.
So, here's to a community that stood up, to leaders who listened, and to a system that, for once, showed a bit of heart. Let's hope this marks the beginning of a more compassionate approach to such cases in the future.
And that's the immigration news for Aotearoa today. Do subscribe and follow for more immigration content. Ka Kite Ano.
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