The broader Kiwi-Indian community is coming together to contribute towards the cause of saving the life of a temporary migrant who is suffering from a life-threatening health issue requiring immediate surgery.
Harpreet Kaur, 27, a work visa holder was not only waiting for immediate surgery but was also facing deportation threat from the Immigration New Zealand after her request for visa extension was declined when Supreme Sikh Society of New Zealand came to her help.
Harpreet had arrived in New Zealand three years ago as an international student of business and was on a work visa when her life was turned upside down after having learnt about the life-threatening sickness that required immediate specialist attention.
Based on the new medical complication her subsequent work visa extension was declined by Immigration New Zealand for not meeting minimum health requirements, and her medical waiver was rejected too.
Harpreet is suffering from various blood clots in the body and ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the colon). Doctors at the hospital removed her tube and attached a temporary bag to pass her bathroom.
It was in these circumstances that the South Auckland based Supreme Sikh Society of NZ took upon itself to lead and coordinate the concerted efforts of not only fundraising to pay for the exorbitant medical cost (not covered by public health) but also salvage her precarious visa situation.
Speaking to the Indian Weekender, Daljit Singh from Supreme Sikh Society of NZ said they had started a fundraising drive within the SSSNZ members and the wider community to help support Harpreet who is going through grave health situation.
“It is unfortunate that Harpreet is undergoing so much of health issue and it is upon us community to come forward and help her in these difficult times,” Mr Singh said.
Mr Singh added that Immigration New Zealand raided her home earlier this year with the deportation notice and to evict her but witnessing her serious health issues, they did not deport her.
Following visa decline and petition to grant Harpreet amnesty due to her grave her concerns, the office of the Minister of Immigration agreed to intervene in the matter if Harpreet can show sufficient funds to meet the cost of surgery and other medical expenses in New Zealand.
“Under advisory from the Immigration agent and offer from the ministry, we started a fundraising drive and appealed our community to help Harpreet undergo this surgery the full cost of which, including medication, hospitalisation and recovery is approximately $50,000,” Mr Singh added.
“Overnight we have raised over $43,000 from the support of generous donors from the community. We request more people to kindly come forward and donate for this noble cause that can save a young woman’s life,” Mr Singh added.
Commending the noble gesture and the community spirit behind this effort Hon Consul of India Bhav Dhillon thanked the members of supreme Sikh society who worked closely with all stakeholders and reaffirmed the basic tenets of Sikhism by helping the most needy.
“This was a case of extraordinary need and the community response led by Daljit Singh has been exemplary. A life has been saved,” Mr Dhillon said.
Meanwhile, members of the community are urged to contribute to the cause on Harpreet’s bank account number 06-0313-0719518-00.