Key Takeaways
- A 5-year-old autistic boy, Aidhan Nithin, is facing deportation from New Zealand due to his potential to impose significant costs on health and education services.
- His father, Nithin Mankeel, a nurse, and his mother, Aparna Jayandhan Geetha, a senior healthcare assistant, have had their visas approved, but Aidhan’s application was declined.
- The family has lodged an appeal and a discretionary application to try to stay in New Zealand, but so far, these efforts have been unsuccessful.
- The community in Nelson is rallying around the family, with over 4000 people signing a petition and a rally held in central Nelson to support them.
Introduction to the Story
The story of Aidhan Nithin, a 5-year-old autistic boy, and his family has sparked a heated debate in New Zealand. Aidhan’s father, Nithin Mankeel, a nurse, and his mother, Aparna Jayandhan Geetha, a senior healthcare assistant, moved to New Zealand from India in 2024. However, their son’s application for a visa was declined due to his potential to impose significant costs on health and education services. This decision has prompted a rally, two petitions, and two unsuccessful requests for Associate Immigration Minister Chris Penk to intervene.
The Family’s Situation
Mankeel and his wife have been working in New Zealand’s healthcare system, with Mankeel’s job listed on the Tier 1 of Immigration New Zealand’s (INZ) Green List. When they applied for a straight-to-residence pathway, they listed their family members as secondary applicants. However, INZ sought more information about Aidhan’s delayed speech abilities, leading to a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and global developmental delay. Despite submitting further evidence to support a medical waiver, INZ declined Aidhan’s application, citing the potential costs on health and education services.
The Appeals Process
The family lodged an appeal to the independent Immigration and Protection Tribunal on humanitarian grounds, but it was not accepted as it was submitted after the statutory 42-day timeframe. They also appealed to Associate Immigration Minister Chris Penk, who declined their appeal, citing no new extenuating or compelling information. The family has since lodged a Section 61 request, a discretionary application that allows people unlawfully in New Zealand to seek a visa under the Immigration Act 2009. If approved, it could restore Aidhan’s lawful status.
Community Support
The community in Nelson has rallied around the family, with over 4000 people signing a petition and a rally held in central Nelson to support them. MP Rachel Boyack described the situation as "deeply unfair" and said that deporting Aidhan would be a "massive loss" for Nelson. She emphasized that the family’s contribution to the community, particularly Mankeel’s work as a nurse, should be taken into account. The community’s support has given the family the energy to continue fighting for their right to stay in New Zealand.
Immigration New Zealand’s Response
INZ deputy chief operating officer Jeannie Melville said that the agency must apply the health rules consistently, regardless of family circumstances or occupation. She emphasized that the requirements are designed to balance individual cases with the sustainability of the country’s health and education systems. While INZ acknowledged the concerns raised by the family and the community, they stated that immigration decisions must be made in line with the Immigration Act and associated instructions.
The Family’s Future
Mankeel and his wife have given up everything to make Nelson their home, and the thought of being separated from their son is unbearable. Mankeel said that deporting Aidhan would be like "cutting off my arm." The family is living in fear, but the support from the community has given them the energy to continue fighting for their right to stay in New Zealand. As they wait for the outcome of their discretionary application, they can only hope that the authorities will consider their situation and allow them to stay together as a family.