Arrange marriage rule triggers protests in NZ

■ Indian diaspora decries new visa policy

Wellington: New Zealand has a reputation for offering a warmer welcome to immigrants than many other countries, including its nearest neighbour, Australia. But the country’s Indian community has decried as racist a recent policy change that excludes — perhaps permanently — those entering arranged marriages from bringing their spouses to New Zealand, the Guardian reported.

It has also created a political tangle a year out from New Zealand’s elections — with one minister claiming the government had not been responsible for the immigration clampdown — and another claiming it as a personal victory. While a couple does not need to be married in order to be reunited on a partnership visa in New Zealand, partners must prove they have lived together for 12

months. Officials had previously waived that requirement for those in special cultural circumstances — such as people entering arranged marriages, often from India, who had not lived together before their weddings.

But in May, the cultural exemptions suddenly stopped, and those with did not meet the requirements were refused visas to New Zealand. The Indian community said it

was discrimination; on Sunday, in the largest city, Auckland, protesters rallied against the decision.

A lawmaker from New Zealand First, in October threw fuel on fire, telling Indians they should leave New Zealand if they did not like its immigration policies. Shane Jones said the Indian community had “no legitimate expectations in my view to bring your whole village to NZ”.