The Nelson community has mounted a strong show of support for an Indian family after the New Zealand Government declined to intervene in the possible deportation of a five-year-old autistic child, despite his parents being granted residency.
The Press reported that nearly 200 people gathered in central Nelson to protest the decision affecting Aidhan Nithin, a non-verbal five-year-old whose parents are both healthcare workers.
It is further reported that placards carried through the city centre read, “You can’t recruit healthcare workers and then deport their children” and
“Have a heart”.
The protest was organised by the Malayalee Association of Nelson and hosted by Nelson City councillor Sarah Kerby. Speakers included elected representatives, educators and families who said the decision ran counter to the values of a city reliant on skilled health professionals. A petition linked to the campaign has attracted more than 3,600 signatures.
Aidhan’s father, registered nurse Nithin Mankeel, and his mother, senior healthcare assistant Aparna Jayandhan Geetha, have been left devastated after their son was deemed ineligible for a visa on health grounds.
It is reported that two appeals to Associate Immigration Minister Chris Penk were declined.
Immigration New Zealand has determined that Aidhan is likely to place significant demands on health and education services, leaving him without a valid visa while his parents hold residency.
NMA president Mathews Jose, who also works as a regional manager in aged care, said the ruling failed to recognise the reality of workforce shortages.
Early childhood teacher Kellie Warren told the rally that Aidhan was an integral part of his kindergarten community, stressing that stability and continuity were essential for a child’s development.
Others spoke about Mankeel’s contribution beyond the workplace. Felicity Connell, whose mother was cared for by him in her final years, described his compassion and calm during moments of distress.
In a statement read aloud, Nelson MP Rachel Boyack said she had written to Immigration Minister Erica Stanford urging her to intervene. That request was declined and referred back to the associate minister, despite earlier refusals.
Deputy mayor Pete Rainey, councillor Matty Anderson and local resident Mark Deans were among other speakers who addressed the crowd.
Mankeel told supporters it was painful to imagine being “sent back to the beginning” after years of sacrifice to build a life in New Zealand. He said the family was not seeking financial assistance, only compassion.
“Please do not separate our family because of autism.”
Immigration New Zealand has confirmed to RNZ that it is assessing a discretionary request that could temporarily restore Aidhan’s lawful status, and says no enforcement action will be taken while the application is under review.
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