South African family’s residency declined after almost five years, son’s needs considered ‘burden’

By Luka Forman of RNZ A South African family has been declined residency due to their son’s health issues being deemed a burden. The family, who have been living in Warkworth since 2020 , fear returning to South Africa will impact their son’s care. They can make a final appeal on humanitarian grounds when their son’s visa expires in July.

A South African family fears for their son’s future after they were declined residency because his health issues are considered a burden on New Zealand’s health and special education system . Joshua Meets, whose family has lived in New Zealand for almost five years , has a complex seizure disorder, developmental delay and is non-verbal — meaning he requires around-the-clock care. That meant the family’s residency application was declined, and their future in the country is uncertain.



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