An Indian family in New Zealand is making an urgent plea for financial assistance after the mother of three was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer.
Abitha Benjamin, her husband Ronald Andrews, and their children—aged 17, 12, and 4—arrived in New Zealand on visitor visas in March 2023.
“According to the doctors, Abitha’s condition appears to be in the final stage of cancer, and the family wants to take her back to Kerala for treatment,” said Robin K. Babu, President of Auckland Malayali Samajam (AMS), speaking to The Indian Weekender.
AMS has organised travel arrangements for the family, with flights booked on Malaysian Airlines for 15 May 2025 from Auckland to Trivandrum.
“Lesly Corray, an AMS committee member, has arranged an ambulance to transport Abitha directly from the airport to the Regional Cancer Centre,” said AMS Secretary Libi Jacob Oommen.
The association, which has been closely supporting the family, said the family was misled by an immigration agent in India.
“The agent told them their visitor visas could be converted into work permits,” Robin explained. Left with no choice, the family later sought asylum and were granted the right to work while awaiting a decision on their refugee status. Under New Zealand law, a refugee claimant may be granted work permits if they can prove a need to support themselves.
Amid ongoing visa uncertainties, Abitha was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in April 2025—without any prior symptoms. The diagnosis left the family in a difficult position, as Abitha did not have medical insurance to cover treatment costs.
“With doctors declaring it the final stage, the family decided it was best to return to Kerala for treatment, even though this may end their chances of returning to New Zealand,” Robin said.
He also expressed concern about the broader issue of immigration agents misguiding vulnerable people.
“Agents like these need to be held accountable for trapping vulnerable families overseas for personal gain,” he said.
AMS has built a Givealittle fundraising campaign to support the family’s travel and medical expenses, which will run for two more days. “All the money raised will go directly to Ronald, Abitha’s husband,” Robin confirmed.