OPINION: I am just another migrant from adeveloping country. I came to New Zealand on a Student Visa in 2017 with a hope to change my future.<\/p>\n
I studied a masters of architecture (professional) at Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland.<\/p>\n
This is one of the most competitive courses in New Zealand. I worked really hard to overcome all obstacles.<\/p>\n
I remember all the cold winter walks to my accommodation, 5kmaway, because there was no bus service after 11.45pm, with all my architecture drawings and drafting tools.<\/p>\n
It was an experience.<\/p>\n
However, a real challenge presented during my final thesis semester when my grandfather died of old age.<\/p>\n
The man who raised mewas no more.<\/p>\n
Thankfully, I was able to go back to my home within 20 hoursto attend his funeral.<\/p>\n
It was such depressing times, my professors and thesis mentors asked me to extend the thesis.<\/p>\n
READ MORE:*An immigration scam encouraged by the New Zealand government*Work visa holders stranded overseas share heartbreak stories*Christchurch shooting survivor pleads for residency<\/p>\n
But I was not ready to give up. I pushed myself to complete the thesis within the initial stipulated time, and became a graduate in 2019.<\/p>\n
Finally, I became a New Zealand architectural graduate.<\/p>\n
I come from a low to medium income family. For me, working was never an option. It was imperative.<\/p>\n
I didnt have the choices to pick my job. I worked whereverjobpresented itself. I worked in a milk formula packing factory, as a midnight cleaner at a mall, weekend gardener for a lovely family in Remuera, and as a factory assistant at a furniture company.<\/p>\n
With my constant effort, I was also able to get into some jobs that strengthened my resume, like an internshipat areputed architecture firm, design internship at a reputed digital marketing firm, a construction labour job,and an assistant project manager role with a construction firm.<\/p>\n
Through these jobs I was able to gain practical knowledge. Allof these jobs were either minimum wage or voluntary.<\/p>\n
But these jobs gave me a strong portfolio.<\/p>\n
There was alight at the end.<\/p>\n
After months of struggle, my hard work finally paid off with an architectural designer job in 2019.<\/p>\n
This job is a dream cometrue. So far,I have had the opportunity to design more than 75residential buildings in thespan of less than two years.<\/p>\n
Its a huge step up in my career. At this current job, I get to design conceptual plans, elevations, make 3D renders, and print 3D models of houses I have designed.<\/p>\n
How cool is my job?<\/p>\n
People might say I was lucky getting this job. But, this opportunity didnt simply fall in my hands.<\/p>\n
I worked really hard to earn my job.<\/p>\n
Nothing in my life happened because of luck. I dont believe in luck, but I believe in hard work.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, I'm in a long distance relationship.It's been eight years, and counting. I met myfiance in 2013.<\/p>\n
We quickly fell in love.<\/p>\n
I wanted to be financially stable before I asked her to marry me. After so many struggles, I felt I was in a good position in New Zealand.<\/p>\n
So, in 2019, I asked and she said yes. Like rest of my story, it wasnt a smooth path.<\/p>\n
Even the most anticipated proposal I planned and booked went for a toss.<\/p>\n
From a helicopter ride to the mountains, to photographers and a spa.The entire engagement celebration was booked.<\/p>\n
I even personally designed and had the diamond engagement ring specially made by a jeweller. All my excitement went south when myfiances visitor visa got rejected.<\/p>\n
The reason - we are not satisfied that you have strong intensions in returning to your home country.<\/p>\n
One of many waysImmigration New Zealand rejects people from adeveloping country, despite having granted one year multiple entry tourist visas in Australia.<\/p>\n
Heartbroken, but unwilling to give up, I shifted my whole plan to Australia.<\/p>\n
It wasnt a grand alpine engagement, but a humble, deep woods surprise. When the land of the long white cloud said noto us, the mighty blue mountains said yes.<\/p>\n
What changed today? I went home in January 2020 to get my elders blessing for our wedding.<\/p>\n
We planned our wedding for July 2020. Everything went downhill after that.<\/p>\n
Covid-19 happened, borders closed in March 2020. In November 2020, I submitted my expression of interest for an Skilled Migrant CategoryVisa with 185 points.<\/p>\n
AP<\/p>\n
Covid-19 has left many migrants stranded.<\/p>\n
Because of my professional experience, I will receive an additional 20 points in October 2021.<\/p>\n
The expression of interestpool is still closed, therefore it's no use.<\/p>\n
With no promises from Immigration New Zealand, the processing duration is unpredictable.<\/p>\n
In addition, Immigration New Zealand has closed down its office in my home country, India.<\/p>\n
Suddenly, everything in life became uncertain.<\/p>\n
To choose between family and career.<\/p>\n
On the one side, I am unable to be with my fiance due to border closures, and we are unable to show our union, since we lack the typical proofrequired by Immigration New Zealand.<\/p>\n
Our chances of being together in New Zealand are growing slim every day.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, I have a wonderful job with good pay, a boss who treats me like family (I spent last year's Christmas break with his entire family at his sister's house), friends, and a community that loves me.<\/p>\n
I've even started saving for a home that we'll build for our future in New Zealand, after I get my residency.<\/p>\n
Another empty dream or a future that is all set and ready.<\/p>\n
We are compelled to choose between our families and our careers. Why can't our visa have a pause buttonin these trying times?<\/p>\n
We could go home and care for our families and loved ones. And then return to New Zealand to resume our careers.<\/p>\n
Most of us migrantsare not afraid of losing our jobs, or finding a new one, but of losing our chance to return to New Zealand if we leave.<\/p>\n
Whats going on inside me? I'm not blaming anyone in particular. I recognise that I am simply an unfortunate individual in a bad circumstance.<\/p>\n
There is no light at the end of the tunnel for me. Life has suddenly become so full of uncertainties that my mind feels like it's about to explode.<\/p>\n
People who know me well tell me that I am extremely fortunate because I have the willpower to push forward against all the odds and do not rely on chance.<\/p>\n
But I don't think I'm as fortunate as I once was.<\/p>\n
I feel uneasy and disposable since Immigration New Zealand changes its guidelines so frequently.<\/p>\n
Prior to the closure of the border, I used to close my eyes at 10.00 pmand wake up at6.30am sharp the next morning, without the need for an alarm.<\/p>\n
Everything in my life was meticulously organised, and I always had a backup plan in place, so my mind was at ease and I was able to sleep soundly.<\/p>\n
However, I can hear every clock tick as I sleep, and I wake up to every notification on from theImmigration New Zealand Facebook page.<\/p>\n
I can't stop thinking about a strategy to keep both my family and my job.<\/p>\n
I am aware that I am depressed, but I simply put on a cheerful front and go about my business.<\/p>\n
Depression, mental health, and well-being are all luxury items that poor migrants can notafford.<\/p>\n
Whats next?I'm a young designer who is intelligent, well-educated, and really talented.<\/p>\n
Rather than a deadline, I've opted for a plan. 2022 February will mark the end of my two-year battle in New Zealand as a result of the border closure, and I will not travel any further.<\/p>\n
If things go as per plan, I will go home, get married and come back with my wife when border closure gets relaxed.<\/p>\n
If things dont get any better with Immigration New Zealandor the border closure, I will choose other options.<\/p>\n
I believe, if I work hard and smart as I do now, I have excellent opportunities in other counties.<\/p>\n
I am sure it will set me back by two or threeyears in my career, butat least I could be with my loved ones.<\/p>\n
I would definitely miss my job, my boss, friends and this beautiful country.<\/p>\n
But its a sacrifice worth taking for being with my family again.<\/p>\n
I will not consider this part of my journey as a sad ending story but an adventurous one.<\/p>\n
New Zealand made me who I am today. Itgave me the best career opportunities, amazing work culture and wonderful memories.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Read more here:<\/p>\n
Migrant's chances of being with fiance in New Zealand slimmer every day - Stuff.co.nz<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" OPINION: I am just another migrant from adeveloping country. Continue reading