The Indian international students holed up in New Zealand church have been given temporary breathing space after their immigration lawyer Alastair McClymont confirmed that Immigration New Zealand (INZ)has agreed not to deport them. There are at least 10 students currently taking refuge in Auckland Unitarian Church.
According to the Indian Weekender, their lawyer did make it clear that his negotiations with INZ are not about cancelling the student’s deportation, but to find the best way in which they can apply for a new student visa so that they can get another chance to build their future in New Zealand and not permanently spoil their chances to re-enter New Zealand in the future. This also includes negotiations to not put a ‘deported’ stamp on their passports. This deal will only apply to his clients that are currently taking shelter in the church.
This new development means that the students can freely come in and out of the church without the fear of being arrested by police.
Previously, these Indian international students were facing deportation over fraudulent visas to New Zealand. Most of these students are based in Auckland, but some have been studying in other cities. Each student is said to have paid about $20,000 each to agents to arrange for a student visa to NZ. But after arriving in New Zealand, they were notified last year in writing, that their visa documents were fraudulent and that they will have to leave the country. Around 150 students were facing deportation at that time.
While some returned, some in early February, took refuge in Unite Union’s premises in the central Auckland suburb of Kingsland.
