Auckland (The NZ Today)
A 32-year-old migrant, whose identity and nationality cannot be disclosed for legal and privacy reasons, has been granted New Zealand residence under special circumstances after being diagnosed with a rare, life-threatening genetic blood disorder.
The man had applied for residence under the Transport Sector Work to Residence pathway. He met the main requirements of the category, was working in New Zealand and had been contributing through taxes.
However, after lodging his residence application, he was diagnosed with a serious genetic blood condition. Medical specialists advised that he would need a stem cell transplant to save his life, but the treatment was not available in his home country.
The estimated cost of treatment in New Zealand was understood to be as high as $500,000.
Because of the likely cost to New Zealand’s health system, Immigration New Zealand initially found that he did not meet the Acceptable Standard of Health requirement. His residence application was therefore declined on medical grounds.
Following that decision, the man applied for a medical waiver, a special provision under immigration rules that allows residence to be granted in exceptional cases despite serious health concerns.
His immigration representative submitted evidence showing that the man was still able to work, was in full-time employment, met the requirements of the residence pathway and had no realistic access to the life-saving treatment in his country of origin.
After considering the circumstances, Immigration New Zealand approved the medical waiver and granted him residence.
The decision means he can remain in New Zealand and access the treatment he needs.
