Unable to return to New Zealand, Indian migrants protest

SEVERAL Indians who reside in New Zealand either on migrant or student visa held a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, India, last week claiming that neither the government of New Zealand nor India helped them to get back to the country where they live in times of the coronavirus pandemic.

The protesters alleged that despite paying thousands of dollars and possessing valid work visas, India’s offshore migrants were fighting for their rights.

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“We r migrants not virus.we r stuck offshore from 18-20 months.our future is totally destroy,” Jagdeep Dhillion tweeted, tagging the political leadership of New Zealand and India and media and human rights bodies.

“NZ govt stopped valid work visa holders to enter NZ aftr taking huge money from them we want JUSTICE allow us back extend our visas,” tweeted Rajeshwari who is also facing a tough time.

The protesters have remained stranded in India since New Zealand has suspended travel from India because of the ongoing pandemic. Many of the protesters are students who are unable to return to New Zealand to complete education.

With the New Zealand government closing all offshore file processes, many people have remained cut off from their work, properties and everything else that they have in that country.

The protesters have claimed that they have written to both the Indian and New Zealand governments to find a way out for them but none allegedly took any step.

The protesters said in a statement that they will continue to protest every day till they get some assurance from the governments of both countries.

They said, “Please understand every migrant stuck offshore has worked hard and paid lots of taxes for the growth of the New Zealand economy. So please give us the same respect, value and support as the New Zealand government has given for current onshore migrants.”