Immigration New Zealand plans to deport a young Fijian man with serious intellectual disabilities even though his family says he has no support network back home.
Sagar Narayan's family told Newshub he requires constant supervision and they fear for his safety if he gets forced out of the country.
"You have to help him shower, sometimes help him with the brushing of his teeth, and dressing him, and putting the shoes on his feet," his father Lalit Narayan told Newshub.
- Contact Michael Morrah at MichaelMorrah@mediaworks.co.nz
Lalit is a caregiver by occupation and when he comes home, he's also his 20-year-old son's primary carer.
He said Sagar has the mental capacity of a six-year-old, and can't write or speak much English.
While Sagar's parents and three siblings are permanent residents in New Zealand, Sagar's application was turned down.
"Last time they reject his resident's visa... It's about the funding or something. [It's about] money," Lalit said.
Immigration New Zealand said the cost to support Sagar with special education would be $16,000 annually, and he's now here unlawfully.
"These cases are incredibly sad. But the reality is the New Zealand health system has limited funds," Peter Elms, Immigration NZ's operations director, told Newshub.
"And it's time for the family to make a decision to go home."
Sagar hasn't arrived recently. He's been living here with his family for eight years on temporary visas.
His family is all he knows.
"Only he knows his mum and dad, brothers and sisters, but he do not know other people," Lalit said.
The other family members were given permanent residency on the condition Sagar was cared for by his grandparents in Fiji, but when both died, he came to New Zealand.
He has no other family in Fiji apart from an aunt, who is unwell and in financial strife.
The family's lawyer has also asked a disability centre back in Fiji if they could help care for Sagar.
The response: it says there is "limited to zero places available in Fiji".
Lalit said forcing Sagar back to Fiji could have dire consequences.
"He's going to cry and he's going to die over there - that's the main thing. He's not going to stay by himself, he's going to run away."
He's adamant his son will not be a burden on the taxpayer.
"We can look after our son... that's all we want."
Sagar is loved unconditionally by his family, but time is running out. He's been told to have flights booked by the end of this month.
A Givealittle page has now been set up to finance the Narayan family's efforts to get Sagar permanent residency in New Zealand. You can donate by clicking here.
Newshub.
