Yadharsh Yathin is a young, highly qualified professional who came here as a student and is contributing meaningfully to the New Zealand economy in a crucial activity – construction design. Like so many others like him who tick all the boxes and are proven to possess NZ-certified skills that are needed in the country, he is a victim of bureaucratic paralysis in New Zealand’s Immigration Service. Frustrated and disheartened he is now on the verge of leaving New Zealand because he can no longer to put his personal life on hold. This government that sings paeans to kindness, fairness, work-life balance and the importance of mental health, seems to think little of people like Yadharsh are being put through.
We will let Yadharsh tell his story in his own words...
I am Yadharsh Yathin, just another migrant here in New Zealand. I came to NZ on a Student Visa in 2017 for a better future. I studied Masters of Architecture (Professional), one of the most competitive courses in NZ, in Unitec Institute of Technology. I worked hard to overcome all obstacles. I remember the cold winter walks to my accommodation, five km away, because there was no bus service after 11:45PM, with my architecture drawings and drafting tools.
A real challenge presented during my final thesis semester when my grandfather died of old age. The man who raised me, was no more. Thankfully, I was able to go back home for his funeral. In those depressing times, my professors and thesis mentors asked me to extend the thesis. But I was not ready to give up. I pushed myself to complete within the initial stipulated time and graduated in 2019.
Facing the reality of life
I come from a medium income family. For me, working was never an option. It was imperative. I didn’t have the choices to pick my Job. I worked wherever opportunity presented itself. I worked as a labourer in factory, cleaner at a mall, weekend gardener and factory assistant. With my constant effort, I was also able to get into some jobs that strengthened my resume – like internship at one of the reputed architecture firms, design internship at a reputed digital marketing firm, and assistant project manager with a construction firm. All these jobs were either minimum wage or unpaid.
A light at the end:
After months of struggle, my hard work paid off with an Architectural Designer job in 2019. It’s a dream come true. So far in this job, I have had the opportunity to design more than 75+ residential building in less than two years. It’s a huge step up in my career. I get to design conceptual plans, elevations, make 3D renders, print 3D models... How cool is my Job! This opportunity didn’t simply fall into my hands. I worked really hard to earn it.
Long distance relationship!
It's been eight years and counting. I met my fiancée, Ash, in 2013. We quickly fell in love; I wanted to be financially stable before I could ask her to marry me. So, in 2019, I thought I was in a position to propose so I did, and she said yes! Like the rest of my story, it wasn’t smooth. I’d meticulously planned my proposal ––from a helicopter ride to the Alps, to photographers and a spa, the entire engagement celebration was booked for. I even personally designed and had the diamond engagement ring specially made by a jeweller.
However, my excitement evaporated when my fiancée’s visitor visa was rejected. The reason “we are not satisfied that you have strong intensions in returning to your home country.” It seems it’s one of several ways that Immigration NZ rejects people from a country and a culture that is different. But we were granted one-year multiple entry tourist visas in Australia! Heartbroken but unwilling to give up, I shifted my whole plan to Australia. It wasn’t a grand Alpine engagement but a humble deep woods surprise.
When the Land of the Long White Cloud said NO, the mighty blue mountains said YES!
What has changed today?
I went home in January 2020 to get elders’ blessing for our wedding. We planned our wedding for July 2020. Everything went downhill after that. COVID-19 happened; borders closed in March 2020. In November 2020, I submitted my EOI for an SMC visa with 185 points. Because of my professional experience, I will receive an additional 20 points in October 2021. The EOI Pool is still closed, therefore it's no use. With no promises from INZ, the processing duration is unpredictable. In addition, Immigration New Zealand has closed down its office in my home country, India.
To choose between Family and Career:
On the one side, I am unable to be with my fiancée due to border closures, and we are unable to show our union ––since we lack the typical ‘Proof’ required by Immigration NZ. Our chances of remaining together in New Zealand are growing slim by the day.
On the other hand, I have a wonderful job with good pay, a boss who treats me like family (I spent last year's Christmas break with his entire family at his sister's house), friends, and a community that loves me. I've even started saving for a home that to build our future in here, after I get my residency.
We are compelled to choose between our families and our careers. Why can't our visa have a pause button? In these trying times, we could go home and care for our families and loved ones. And then return to New Zealand to resume our careers. Most of us (migrants) are not afraid of losing our jobs, or finding another one, but of losing our chance to return to New Zealand if we leave.
What’s going on inside me?
I feel uneasy and disposable since INZ changes its guidelines so frequently. Prior to the closure of the border, I used to close my eyes at 10:00 p.m. and wake up at sharp 6:30 the next morning, without the need for an alarm. Everything in my life was meticulously organised, and I always had a backup plan in place, so my mind was at ease and I was able to sleep soundly. However, I can hear every clock tick tonight as I sleep, and I wake up to every notification from NZ migration Facebook page.
I can't stop thinking about a strategy to keep both my family and my job. I am aware that I am depressed, but I simply put on a cheerful front and go about my business. Depression, mental health, and well-being are all luxury items that poor migrants cannot afford; they are only available to New Zealand permanent residents and citizens.
What’s Next?
I've decided on a plan. 2022 February will mark the end of my two-year battle in New Zealand as a result of the border closure, and I will not travel any further. I'm now putting together a proposal to work remotely from my home country for my firm.
If things go as per plan, I will go home, get married and come back with my wife when border closure gets relaxed. If things don’t get any better with Immigration NZ or border closure, I will choose other options.
I have hundreds of opportunities in other counties. I am sure it will set me back by 2-3 years in my career; at least I could be with my loved ones. I would definitely miss my job, my boss, friends and this beautiful country. But it’s a sacrifice worth taking for being with my family again.
I will not consider this part of my journey as a sad ending but an adventurous one. NZ made me who I am today. NZ gave me the best career opportunities, amazing work culture and wonderful memories. Most importantly, beautiful people to call family.