Daman was born in New Zealand in 2006, days after the citizenship by birth rule was changed to exclude children of migrants on temporary visas. He has an older sister who was also born in New Zealand and is a citizen.

His parents came to New Zealand in 2001 on valid work visas but faced problems to renew their visas due to regressive immigration policies. The family has continuously tried to regularise their immigration status over the years. Their most recent request to the Associate Minister of Immigration, Hon Chris Penk, was declined by his delegated staff. INZ compliance has told the family to leave by 17 February 2025 or face deportation. Daman has only ever lived in New Zealand and sending him to a foreign country where he has never been , neither does he know the language or culture, would be unduly harsh and inhumane.

We appeal to the Immigration Minister Hon Erica Stanford and the Associate Minister of Immigration Hon Chris Penk to intervene urgently to stop the deportation and keep this family unit safe and secure in New Zealand.

Please sign and share this petition to keep Daman and his family in New Zealand.

Note: the family or the supporting organisations are NOT asking for financial donations.

More details about the family's journey and plight:

https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360582079/kiwi-kid-who-faces-being-deported-country-hes-never-been

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/new-zealand-born-teen-facing-deportation-to-india-appeals-to-authorities-to-stay/27YAI2D4XRD2BEQMESYQ357RX4/

Supporting organisations :

Migrant Rights Network NZ