Visa struggle splits couple
make the ‘‘appropriate arrangements’’ to leave the country. But, a deportation liability notice had not been served, she said.
The couple met on Facebook 18 months ago and Amy decided to move to New Zealand in December, with the hope of a better future.
She was tired of working 12-hour shifts, seven days a week, in a Hong Kong hospital and worked as a healthcare assistant in Feilding before her interim visa expired.
Although Amy is married to David, she has been turned down for a visa on two occasions.
David, who lost his first wife 14 years ago, said he didn’t want to become a ‘‘Skype family’’.
‘‘We’re as happy as a pig in a poke,’’ he said. ‘‘When I saw her at the airport, she wrapped her arms around me, gave me the biggest hug and said ‘I love you too’.
‘‘[A friend] said to me ‘you’re the happiest I’ve seen you in 14 years. You’re as high as a spark. You’re alive again aren’t you?’.
‘‘And they want me to throw it away, send her back to Hong Kong. No, I don’t think so.’’
After buying a home together, money was tight and they needed Amy to go back to work, David said.
‘‘[Immigration NZ] won’t accept we live together. They think Amy is here to sponge off the Government. We haven’t spent a government dollar since she’s been here.’’
Amy said correspondence from Immigration NZ had been poor, which made it difficult to adhere to the visa application process.
‘‘I want to stay with my husband and look after him. After I met him, I felt he’s the best man for me. Now that we are staying together we are so happy.
David said they were hoping to find a way for Amy to stay, but Dower said Immigration NZ could find no reason to grant a visa.