Only rich people will be able to bring parents to New Zealand, how is that fair?

Friday, 11 October 2019

OPINION: Many permanent residents and citizens were eagerly waiting for the decision to re-open the parent visa category. However, the news of this category being re-opened came a more of a shock for many than as good news.

Many might argue that New Zealand does not need to take responsibility for the parents of migrants and may feel that they are a burden on the health system due to their age.

However, what they don't look at are the benefits.

Often permanent residents and citizens of migrant background who do not have their parents here have to make a lot of sacrifices and face emotional stress of not being able to live with their parents.

* Parent visa category reopened - but with new criteria and capped to 1000

* Migrant Workers Association criticises New Zealand work visa overhaul**

Many people have been waiting for the Government to reopen the parent visa category - but not like this.

Many are not able to perform to their full potential to contribute their best to the economy or have to work fewer hours in order to support their little kids at home. Having parents in New Zealand does not only provide them with emotional support but also care and cultural values for them and their kids. So in fact, allowing them in benefits the economy as well.

Now let's establish some facts.

An Immigration New Zealand spokesperson said its study of a 2013 cohort of migrants under the parent visa showed none had applied for any state benefit in the first two years and only 1 per cent had after five years. The idea that migrants left parents here was also debunked with 86 per cent of migrants who had sponsored as far back as 2003-04 still living in New Zealand and 97 per cent of those sponsoring in 2011-12 also still in New Zealand.

Moreover, a sponsor is responsible for the care of his/her parent/s for ten years as well.

Immigration officials expected that around 15 per cent on the waiting list would qualify under new changes, and our survey (close to 1000 participated) so far indicates that more than 90 per cent of the permanent residents or citizens who would have been eligible under the previous requirements will not qualify to bring their parents under these new requirements.

They are as follows;

An Individual sponsor needs to earn $106,000 each year ($65,000 previously) for one parent and $159,000 for both parents.
A couple needs to earn a combined yearly income of $159,000 ($90,000 previously) for one parent and $212,000 for both parents.

While we welcome the much-awaited decision from the immigration minister to finally re-open the parent visa category, we are extremely disappointed with the new conditions imposed.

The Union Network of Migrants (UNEMIG) and the Indian Workers Association (IWA) believe that these new conditions are unfair and discriminatory since it would only benefit rich immigrants.

Low, middle and even many higher-income earners (earning close to or less than $106,000) will not qualify under these changes, and it will become near impossible for them to bring their parents to New Zealand under this category.

Many skilled migrants (including Kiwis) who are holding managerial positions in finance, construction, healthcare, agriculture, hospitality and retail sector will also struggle to meet these requirements.

If the major concern is that the ageing parents of eligible migrants become a burden on the health system, then they should have looked at introducing the requirement of compulsory health insurance for parents before granting them the visa under this category which will address this concern.

A government that values family reunification, including parents of immigrants, should consider this as a positive solution instead of promoting a discriminatory policy towards another class.

Mandeep Singh Bela is spokesperson for UNEMIG (Union Network of Migrants) and IWA (Indian Workers Association).