Woman denied NZ visa too sick to fly home

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Mon, 25 Jun 2012 7:00p.m.

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Immigration turned Elize's application down, saying she needed open-heart surgery. We have a letter from her cardiologist saying that's never going to happen.

Immigration turned Elize's application down, saying she needed open-heart surgery. We have a letter from her cardiologist saying that's never going to happen.

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17/07/2012 4:27:40 p.m.

lee wrote:

There is no way any airline will take responsiblity of flying a passenger who is that sick esp not on a long haul flight like NZ to SA. NZ will have option but to let her stay in NZ.

29/06/2012 11:56:07 p.m.

Ian wrote:

I have a friend who went to immigration to renew their immigration. They were told their application was refused because it wasnt a good reqson. Family

29/06/2012 1:24:11 p.m.

Sarah wrote:

Aunty Elize you are in our thoughts and prayers. Please New Zealand help this lady,she is a awesome grandmother, and mother. Please help her to get residency.

29/06/2012 8:13:49 a.m.

petro liebenberg wrote:

Hi everyone, a big thank you for the story on my mother 25/06/12, mrs liebenberg- the fundraising number is 389012017434000 kiwi bank account name ELIZABETH LIEBENBERG MEDICAL TRUST thank you

28/06/2012 4:38:42 p.m.

Bex wrote:

To deny this woman the time she has left to spend with her family is heartless.

27/06/2012 7:37:34 p.m.

Rebecca wrote:

As her doctor has said she wouldnt need the surgery I dont see what the problem is. Please let us know if there is a bank acct we can donate funds to to help her pay the Middlemore Hospital bill. I could see that this expense weighed heavily on her mind and upset her that her family would be left with this huge bill.

27/06/2012 3:26:47 p.m.

AI wrote:

There are a number of reasons it takes such a long time to process immigration applications. The first is the sheer number to get through. NZ is a *highly* desirable place for people to live all over the world and Immigration NZ gets hundreds of thousands of applications each year to process - all of varying quality. The second reason is that each application must be manually processed and checked against immigration standards and legislation - all this takes time, especially if applications are incomplete or case officers need more information. I dont think this is a poor reflection on INZ atall. NZ has immigrationlaws for a reason - to protect our beautiful country and its people. If we start making exceptions to anyone who has a sad story, we may as well abolish our immigration laws and open our gates to all in sundry. There are NZ citizens with equally sad stories, going through just as hard times in their livves who also need compassion, help, medical assistance and support.

26/06/2012 9:02:54 p.m.

Ian wrote:

Attn John Campbell. Some of the decisions of our "authorities" leave me truly mystified. What the hell has happened to compassion/sympathy/recognition of fair play/respect for others in REAL strife in their lives; all of which used to be exhibited by NZ authorities? Has the Great God "Dollar" become the highest deity in this country? Likewise, where are the magnanimous souls who often stump up at times like this, to ensure reasonable outcomes for deserving people? It appears that those who work in the Public Service and see fit to fully support wastrels and ne'er-do-wells who suck on the public teat, daily, but still get handouts, are sitting on their hands right now. As a pensioner I, for one, am porepared to donate the modest amount of $50, which if matched by enough others, should see the current debt satisfied. Such may well allow this family to comfort their mother/grandmother over her final weeks/months, without the burden of the hospital debt. How about it John? Let's support this family and shame our faceless bureaucrats.

26/06/2012 4:50:03 p.m.

Talita van der Merwe wrote:

I have visited NZ and and New Zealanders are awesome people. Friendly and hospitable. Your immigration department does not do your country justice. They make it seem if all New Zealanders are without compassion.

26/06/2012 1:36:52 p.m.

Mandy wrote:

An appalling and inhumane situation! Where is the humanity of NZ Immigration in a situation like this. This woman does not have long to live. Surely she should be allowed to spend her last days without feeling like a burden to society? We throw hundreds of thousands of money at people who don't deserve it, and yet begrudge someone like this a few months of peace before she dies. You do have to wonder.