NZ United Voice has asked the immigration minister to follow the Australian government’s action and facilitate the expeditious return of thousands of migrants stuck offshore because of NZ’s Covid-19 border restrictions.
A collective of some 160 registered NZ organisations, NZ United Voice has been approached by hundreds of families adversely affected and disadvantaged by border restrictions who are urging a fairer decision from the NZ government, according to its media release.
NGOs and religious groups have also met with the seven-member core leadership of NZ United Voice and urged them to persuade the government to ease stuck migrants’ entry back into NZ.
“NZ immigration minister is under pressure to do the right thing and deliver justice,” says Jeet Suchdev, Convenor of NZ United Voice group.
“This most aggrieved community who have suffered heavily is a very small proportion in comparison to all those who benefited from NZ government’s One-off residence visa policy. Hence, it would not hurt and rather make absolute sense to act swiftly to make a timely inclusion for a win-win for all.”
Mr Suchdev says that the core team of NZ United Voice continues to work closely with Minister Priyanca Radhakrishnan, the NZ Ministry of Ethnic Communities, the Ministry of Immigration and have submitted an appeal to reconsider this matter.