The Immigration Minister has been sent a letter, urging him to allow a Sri Lankan family whose visa hasn’t been renewed, to stay in New Zealand.
The Wijerathne family, three boys and mother Dinesha and father Sam, have lived in New Zealand for nearly eight years.
Dinesha held an essential work visa to work as a chef in Queenstown, but it hasn’t been renewed because she’s developed Multiple Sclerosis - and can’t work full time.
They are now facing a deportation date of November 21.
Clutha Southland MP Hamish Walker has appealed to the Immigration Minister on the family’s behalf.
He asked in the letter to the Minister that any matters around deportation are put on hold and a temporary work visa is issued to Sam so he can financially support the family while they’re here.
“I want this family to be able to stay in NZ. They have contributed a huge amount over the last eight years, so I want to do everything I can to fight for this family, hence why I’ve written to the Minister of Immigration.”
Baskets of Blessing director Tam Schurmann set up a Givealittle page for the family, which has raised more than $14,000 dollars.
She’s calling for compassion from the Immigration Department.
“This is not a family who have come to New Zealand and are taking advantage. This is not a family who have asked for handouts. It’s a situation that could happen to anybody.”
Source: Newstalk ZB
-Agencies
