A quick little update on where things are at at the moment.
As mum's interim visa has now expired, she is considered an illegal resident/visitor in NZ. Yes, that means mum is no longer eligible for any public service/support in the event of health related issues. The lawyer has informed us that INZ is unlikely to make a decision before the end of 2021. Just another blow, leaving mum hanging, as they have done for the past almost 14 years.
You may wonder: why doesn't she just go back to South Africa?
Well, here's why:
Firstly, mum and Len have been married for over 20 years now...Surely she can't be expected to leave him behind? If she did...How will she survive? Anyone over the age of 55 is unemployable in SA. She is also not eligible for a state pension...not having lived and worked in SA for 14 years. How will she pay for food, medication? The public health system would fail her in the first 10 minutes and no doubtedly have dire consequences. How will she get around? Public transport is dangerous for the average Joe Soap, more so for a retiree. Older people are at great risk of becoming victims to crime...the thought of this being a high probability is enough to give mum and us all anxiety. What about her husband? He has a stable position, pension to care for them both here in NZ...he is equally unemployable in SA. That makes double the financial and emotional strain on them.
In NZ mum and Len have a great family support system and they have all they need around them. Mum imposes no harm to society or any individual in NZ and it is just cruel to think that a government would rip a grandmother, mother, wife and friend away from those she dearly loves and need in her life.
I also wanted to give some feedback on how your donations have helped us so far: I received around NZ$600 into my bank account (over 2 payments) in the last month, and this has covered 1/3 of the most recent legal fee. Thank you so much to everyone that has given financially and/or emotionally.
Our total legal and INZ costs to date, is in excess of NZ$8000. We are quite desperate for any small amounts to help cover these and upcoming expenses. December/January is a difficult time for anyone to part with money, we understand. If you are able to contribute something small in 2022, we would be forever grateful. I promise to keep you posted on where things are at and to use the donations solely for legal (1st) and medical costs (2nd) if any surplus.
If INZ grants mum residency (best outcome), we will withdraw from this funding page once we have our costs covered. If, on the other hand, INZ continues to deny mum the right to live here, we will continue to fight for it.
WE have a long way to go in our journey with INZ. They don't seem to consider the emotional and financial impact their decisions are having on families like ours and that of many other immigrants in NZ.
Enjoy this festive season with your loved ones, if you are able to. We surely will be doing that with our mum, nanna and wife as we see 2021 out.
