20-year-old intellectually disabled Fijian man due to be deported from NZ later this month

20-year-old intellectually disabled Fijian man due to be deported from NZ later this month

By Vijay Narayan
13/10/2017
Sagar Narayan (left) and his brother in Auckland [Photo: Lalit Narayan/theguardian]

A 20-year-old intellectually disabled Fijian man, Sagar Narayan who requires full‑time care from his family is due to be deported from New Zealand later this month.

When questioned by Fijivillage on the reasons for the deportation following some media reports, Immigration New Zealand Director of Operations Peter Elms says they can confirm that Sagar Narayan has been unlawful in New Zealand since January last year and has been given until 27th October to make arrangements to leave the country.

Elms says as a matter of background, Narayan’s family were granted residence in July 2008 but Sagar was withdrawn from his father’s residence application after Immigration New Zealand deemed he was unlikely to meet health requirements for residence.

He says at the time Sagar was withdrawn from the residence application, the family assured Immigration New Zealand that Sagar would be cared for by relatives in Fiji.

Elms says although Sagar has been granted temporary visas, a subsequent application for residence under the dependent child category was declined by Immigration New Zealand on health grounds – a decision upheld by the independent Immigration and Protection Tribunal.

He says subsequent appeals for Ministerial intervention have been declined and a deportation order was served on Sagar in April this year.

Elms says they have also worked closely with Sagar’s family and lawyer throughout this process to facilitate his departure from New Zealand.

The Guardian has reported that the intellectually disabled man is due to be deported from New Zealand because the government says the cost of caring for him is too expensive.

Sagar Narayan has severe intellectual disabilities and requires help with washing, getting dressed and eating his meals.

All of Narayan’s care is provided by his immediate family in New Zealand, and he spends his days in the family home watching TV.

The Guardian is reporting that Sagar’s family moved to Auckland from Fiji eight years ago to escape corruption and provide a better life for their four children.

They say that Sagar has no relatives in Fiji able to care for him, and claim that the Fijian government has told his family it cannot look after him if he returns.

Narayan’s parents and his three siblings are permanent residents in New Zealand, but he has been ordered to make plans to leave the country by 27th October after Immigration New Zealand said his condition was too great a burden on the health system.

Alastair McClymont, the family’s lawyer, who has made half a dozen appeals to Immigration New Zealand on Sagar Narayan’s behalf says Sagar doesn’t even understand what is going on, he doesn’t know what immigration is and has the mental age of a six‑year‑old.

Sagar’s father Lalit Narayan said the family had always looked after him at home and he has never required assistance from the state.

He says he doesn’t want money from the government, he just wants his son to stay with him.

Sagar Narayan has been assessed as costing New Zealand NZ$16,000 a year though his lawyer says that figure is based on him attending a special school, which he is no longer eligible for since turning 20.

FEATURE NEWS
Chaudhry asks whether PM is related to Acting FICAC Commissioner and raises issue that PM cannot recommend who should be head of FICAC
Serious concerns are now being raised by Fiji Labour Party Leader, Mahendra Chaudhry on whether Acting FICAC Commissioner, Lavi Rokoika is related to ...
5 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Lineage of Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara traced back to Ratu Seru Cakobau - Ratu Kalivati
The Vanua of Bau recognises the installation of the Tui Nayau and the Sau ni Vanua o Lau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, as a sign of respect and ...
5 hours ago

Danger zone : Pac Harbour Fire Station closes this Friday due to NFA relocation issues
Pacific Harbour Fire Station is closing down as the plot is owned by Damodar Yatu Lau Pte Limited which has taken it back for development and the ...
5 hours ago

State asks for more time in case of man who trespassed at PM's residence
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has asked for more time in the case of Mokani farmer, Waisea Naitini who was charged with ...
6 hours ago

Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Vimlesh Sagar recharged after discontinued case
Former Chief Executive Officer of the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation, Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Chief Financial Officer, Vimlesh Sagar have been ...
6 hours ago

COMPOL says it is easy to assume things based on a video that shows only one side of the story
Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu is reiterating calls for members of the public to cooperate with Police or face possible charges. This ...
6 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Tui Nayau and Tui Lau Installation
The ceremony for the installation of the Tui Nayau Sau ni Vanua o Lau will be held tomorrow, while the installation ceremony of the Tui Lau will be held in Tubou on Thursday.
10 hours ago

CFL 40th Birthday
CFL’s 40th Anniversary celebrations to culminate with free concert at Albert Park on ...
3 days ago

Pacific Mini Games in Palau, 2025
Full coverage of Team Fiji's journey through the 2025 Palau Games.
4 days ago

TOP