The 2001 changes have hit many Kiwis hard. However, one group has perhaps been hit harder than all others: the disabled and their families. Current immigration policies mean that applications for permanent visas from those who who are disabled or have disabled family members are routinely rejected. Kiwis in Australia with disabilities therefore have no pathway to citizenship. Even the families of disabled children born in Australia can face serious issues gaining permanent visas and citizenship. Whilst this has been a problem since 2001, the situation for disabled Kiwis has only got worse since then. Over the last few years, federal and state government have set about systematically stripping New Zealanders access to basic disability services. Australian ministers routinely say that Kiwis unhappy with their lack of access to disability services should apply for a permanent visa. Such statements are disingenuous - they know full well that under current policies those with disabilities are automatically rejected for permanent visas.
Posted on: Tue, 12 Aug 2014 00:30:01 +0000