Shivangi Bose is an independent writer based in Auckland, who has moved here from India recently. In the past few weeks, she has talked to over 20 New Zealanders and work visa holders stuck offshore. This is a summary of what she has learnt, after hours and hours of listening to their plight. We hope the government authorities in New Zealand listen to what Bose has to say, as below.

Same stories

“I came to India to get married. I have been living in New Zealand for more than six years. It is home for me now. I haven’t heard anything from New Zealand Immigration on an approximate date for my return.”

“My child who is just about five months was born in New Zealand. I came to India to spend time with family and now my child is sick. I have no idea when the Immigration will make arrangements for us to go back.”

“My position at work has been made redundant as I haven’t been able to return to New Zealand. I am paying bills of the apartment which isn’t even occupied right now. Not to mention other utility bills.”

These are just a few examples of the conversations, I have had with various visa holders, citizens and residents stuck in India, or have somebody stuck there.

One question

There can be counter-arguments that the bigger picture is graver. People across the world are dying due to the pandemic. Immigration cannot be the priority.

But just imagine, you are not in your home country where you are paying either mortgage for your house or paying rent, child’s education has come to a halt, your organization has let you go as you are not around, or you are in New Zealand but your husband or wife or parents are stuck miles away from you. You might be a student, paying for your accommodation, but you are not able to come back to re-join your classes. Lives have come to a standstill.

Broadly five categories of Indians stuck outside/inside New Zealand are – citizens and permanent residents (Prs); migrant workers – less than five years in New Zealand, and more than 5 years in New Zealand.

The other two being – migrant workers without a job now in New Zealand, and those who just received their Work Visa and haven’t yet been able to make an entry into the country.

What is common across all categories is that they are not being able to plan their lives as they haven’t received any intimation from the Immigration or New Zealand Government on a tentative time-frame.

In search of hope

After Alert Level 4 got over in New Zealand, three Air New Zealand flights and nine Vande Bharat Flights have flown between India and New Zealand, and few of the stranded citizens, migrant workers, and PRs managed to come back.

With the crunch of isolation space upon return and unavailability of few benefits, Immigration isn’t prioritizing the return of the remaining 450 people from India.

Although the people are ready to pay for their travel in private charters and also bear isolation costs, their requests aren’t being considered. Many of them are even afraid that they might not be able to come to their home, New Zealand, ever.

The future

The New Zealand High Commission in India has sent a communication to all stating that the New Zealand Government is working with various airlines to manage flights, and facilities to manage quarantine of passengers on their return.

It means that people have to hold on to their patience and hope for some more time.

As noted above, a lot of anxiety would reduce if the New Zealand Government, at least, gives a time-frame to those stranded abroad on their possible return to New Zealand. Even if it is, say, three months. Especially to the citizens and PRs.

– Shivangi Bose

Read the plight of New Zealanders – citizens and PRs – stranded in India in our story published in the last issue – Kiwis stuck in India demand a time-frame for allowing private charters to bring them home.

Also, watch our Journalism for Diversity Episode 8 here – Election year is driving Govt’s response to the plight of offshore Kiwis and work visa holders