The Immigration and Protection Tribunal in New Zealand has made a controversial decision to deport a 15-year-old boy from Fiji, who has epilepsy and developmental delays. The family moved to New Zealand in 2023, seeking better opportunities and healthcare for their son. However, immigration authorities determined that his presence would pose a significant strain on the nation’s special education resources.
The boy’s lawyer, Rajendra Chaudhry, expressed the family’s profound sorrow over the ruling, revealing that the emotional toll on the mother has been severe, as she is often in tears. Chaudhry noted the difficult choices the family may have to face if this issue is not resolved favorably.
While the tribunal acknowledged the family’s desire to remain in New Zealand, it emphasized that moving back to Fiji would be a consequence of their choice to stay in the country. The tribunal also recognized that, although the boy’s epilepsy is managed with medication, his cognitive challenges suggest he may be on the autism spectrum.
As a temporary relief, the teenager has been granted a six-month visitor visa, which expires in May. This visa allows the family some time to organize care for him in Fiji.
This situation underscores the challenges faced by families with special needs children within immigration systems. Citizenship and immigration policies can often overwhelm such families, particularly when balancing available resources in host countries against the specific needs of individuals. It highlights a broader conversation about how nations support families with disabled members while also managing their own educational and healthcare resources.
In a hopeful light, there may still be opportunities for the family to explore other options for remaining in New Zealand or finding supportive services in Fiji. Ongoing advocacy for inclusivity and support for special needs children globally emphasizes the importance of addressing these complex issues with empathy and understanding.
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