An Indian couple in New Zealand has overstayed their visa for eight years now. They were about to deported when the relief came about in the form of work visas for another 1 year, especially when the government rejected their plea to remain in the nation. The couple – Sital Ram and Usha have three children who are the citizens of New Zealand. The family lives in Hastings.

Sital Ram was detained since September and would now be released. In the meantime, the couple was speculating whether or not to return to India without their children. The main intention for leaving their children behind was to ensure that they could have a better life in New Zealand. However, the news was given to them by Kate Wilkinson, the Associate Immigration Minister.

The family had asked the minister to turn over their order for deportation. According to Wilkinson, she could not excuse the breach of the immigration laws by the couple. However, she did consider the submissions requesting for permission for them to live in the country. She said that she has requested for the cancellation of their orders for deportation and grant open work visas for a period of 12 months. At the same time, she said that she could not guarantee for further extension on their visas.

At the end of it, the family has thanked everyone for helping and supporting them. Since, Sital Ram would be released from prison; the family is awaiting his return. Above all, keeping aside the breach of law, the children of the couple have suffered with their parents attempting to such a breach.