A petition signed by more than 12,800 people has been presented to New Zealand Parliament in support of a five-year-old autistic boy facing deportation after immigration authorities ruled he could place significant demands on the country’s health and education systems.
Aidhan Nithin’s parents, both Indian-origin healthcare workers living in New Zealand, say they are terrified their family could be separated after Immigration New Zealand declined their son’s residency application following his autism diagnosis.
Aidhan’s father, Nithin Mankeel, works as a registered aged care nurse, while his mother Aparna Jayandhan Geetha is employed as a senior healthcare assistant.
The couple reportedly spent 15 years working towards their dream of settling in New Zealand, including eight years living apart while Mankeel worked overseas to improve his English and qualify for a visa.
Despite both parents being granted residency because of their roles in the healthcare sector, Aidhan has been left without a valid visa and has reportedly been deemed “unlawful” in New Zealand, placing him at risk of enforcement action.
As per RNZ, this case has sparked growing public backlash, with Labour MP Rachel Boyack and Green MP Ricardo Menéndez March backing the family and presenting the petition to Parliament.
Campaigners argue Aidhan is settled in New Zealand, attends a local kindergarten and depends heavily on the stability and care provided by his parents.
“It is not in the best interests of any child — particularly one with high support needs — to be uprooted from the only secure environment he knows,” the petition states.
Boyack said the family had earned widespread community support in Nelson, where both parents work in aged care and healthcare services.
“These are two critical healthcare workers that we need in New Zealand,” Boyack said.
“It’s just not okay that you can recruit healthcare workers to come and work in New Zealand and then deport the child.”
She said Aidhan had been granted an exemption to begin school while the family awaits a final decision and described him as “thriving” in his learning environment.
Boyack also revealed she had received letters praising Mankeel’s work from residents and families at the aged care facility where he is employed.
“One family said he was the only person able to comfort their loved one in their final days.”
Supporters of the petition also warned New Zealand risked losing an “exceptional nurse” if the deportation proceeds.
The family’s requests for ministerial intervention were previously rejected by former Associate Immigration Minister Chris Penk and Immigration Minister Erica Stanford.
However, MPs are now urging newly appointed Associate Immigration Minister Cameron Brewer to reconsider the case.
Speaking emotionally about the ordeal, Mankeel said his son remained unaware of the deportation threat hanging over the family.
“We need to live together as a small family until our death. That’s all we need.”
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