A Test of Compassion: The Heart-Wrenching Case of a Tongan Caregiver Facing Deportation
Politicians and community members are rallying behind Loasi Latu, a Tongan migrant facing deportation after overstaying her visa for over 20 years. Latu, the full-time caregiver for her intellectually disabled brother Viliami Takapautolo, is deeply concerned about his future if she is forced to leave New Zealand.
Labour’s Phil Twyford has written to Associate Immigration Minister Chris Penk, urging him to reconsider. “I’ve told the new Associate Minister that this case deserves compassionate intervention,” said Twyford, who previously served as Associate Minister of Immigration when Labour was in government. “The fact that Mrs. Latu has provided 24-hour care to her disabled brother for two decades makes this case unique.”
Viliami, Latu’s brother, cannot speak or eat independently and suffers from seizures. His reliance on Latu’s care underscores the urgency of their situation. Despite these circumstances, Immigration NZ stated that Latu and her husband have been living in New Zealand illegally since 2004. Their application for an exemption under a special direction was declined in January, leaving them with no further right to appeal.
Associate Minister Penk recently informed the family that he would not intervene. However, immigration lawyer Mark Williams believes Latu has a strong case for compassionate grounds. “It seems unfair that someone who has been here for 20 years, providing essential care, hasn’t had a fair hearing. That’s what ministerial discretion is for,” he said. “After two decades, it’s usually not hard to show special circumstances.”
The community has shown strong support for Latu. A prayer gathering was held in Māngere Bridge, where her nephew Otako Kaufusi expressed the family’s distress. “I can’t imagine life without my aunt. She has raised me and my siblings, and supported three generations, allowing us to pursue our careers and contribute positively to New Zealand.”
Family friend Tin To attended the gathering, adding, “It’s very upsetting because they’re like family to us. Everyone is hurting.”
Green Party immigration spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March also hopes for a compassionate resolution. “Sending her back to Tonga would destroy an entire family’s life. The Associate Minister has the chance to show that he values our Pacific connections, family unity, and the contributions of those who have made New Zealand their home.”
An Auckland doctor has written an urgent appeal in support of the family, highlighting that Viliami is entirely dependent on Latu’s care. “He would be severely disadvantaged if moved into residential care. Such a move would be culturally inappropriate and detrimental to his quality of life. It could also be life-threatening due to the loss of personalized care from Loasi, causing significant emotional distress, decreased independence, and social isolation.”
Williams mentioned that if the minister remains firm, there is still hope. “Immigration or the minister could issue a one-day visitor visa to legalize her status temporarily, allowing her to appeal to the Immigration Protection Tribunal for a different hearing.”
The family is bracing for potential sacrifices. Latu’s niece, Karina Kaufusi, might have to quit her job as a senior structural engineer to care for Viliami if Latu is deported. “This would not only remove a skilled worker from an already pressured infrastructure industry but also a tax-paying citizen contributing to the economy,” she said.
As the family and supporters wait for a decision, the emotional and practical implications of deportation loom large, highlighting the need for a compassionate resolution to this complex situation.
