New Zealand Grants Residency to 84-Year-Old Widow Facing Deportation

An 84-year-old widow facing deportation to Iran has successfully appealed for residency in New Zealand, alleviating her fears of returning to a country fraught with danger. The Immigration and Protection Tribunal ruled that her son’s national security role in New Zealand posed significant risks to both him and her should she be forced to return to Tehran.

The tribunal’s recent decision highlighted the precarious situation of her son, who is a New Zealand citizen and holds dual citizenship. His employment with a company involved in national security projects means he could face severe repercussions if he returned to Iran. The tribunal noted, “Returning [her] to Iran would have the consequence that she and her son would be permanently separated.”

The ruling emphasized the dire conditions in Iran, stating that the woman would be returning to a “chaotic and unpredictable environment,” particularly in light of escalating tensions in the Middle East and ongoing military conflicts. Given her age and vulnerability, the tribunal deemed that her return would be deeply stressful and could even be fatal.

Impact of Recent Events on Vulnerable Individuals

The elderly widow had last visited her son in New Zealand just before the Covid-19 pandemic and remained until late 2021. However, her recent trip ended with a panic attack just before boarding her return flight to Iran. A general practitioner confirmed her heightened anxiety regarding the prospect of going back.

The tribunal found that her son, a software engineer with national security clearance, would find it impossible to live safely in Iran due to his job’s sensitive nature. “He points to the fact that he is employed by a company that is affiliated with security projects in a western country and has New Zealand national security clearance which grants him access to restricted documents; factors that the Iranian authorities would perceive as treason,” the decision stated.

New Zealand’s travel advisory website currently has its highest risk level of ‘do not travel’ for Iran, citing threats of violent civil unrest, arbitrary arrests, and a volatile security situation.

Exceptional Humanitarian Circumstances Acknowledged

Initially, her son applied for another visitor visa for his mother, anticipating that Immigration New Zealand would recognize their “exceptional circumstances.” When that application was declined, she found herself in the position of an overstayer.

The tribunal ruled that deporting the retired nurse would be unjust and unduly harsh given her exceptional humanitarian circumstances. The ruling noted, “The country’s current volatile geopolitical situation makes it wholly unrealistic for the appellant to return to live there, even assuming that she could travel there.”

The court underscored that she lacks family support and would have to manage daily life alone in an unstable environment. The decision pointed out that her recent years of living with her son had left her emotionally fragile, stating, “The mere thought of returning there alone has left her largely unable to function.”

This ruling marks a significant victory for the elderly widow, ensuring her safety and well-being while highlighting the broader implications of geopolitical tensions on vulnerable populations.