Ill-Health Students May Get Their Visa Cancelled As Per The Latest Changes In Immigration Policy

Varsha Ravi wrote an open letter to the New Zealand Prime Minister, Kris Faafoi, addressing her concerns about the latest immigration policy. It states that students must be in an acceptable standard of health should they wish to enter the country. On the other hand, many students fear their visa permit may get canceled because of mental health problems and hence, are not disclosing these challenges. As per the latest changes in the immigration policy, individuals with ill-health conditions are ineligible for a student visa. In her letter, Ravi also wrote that many students are disclosing their mental health problems because it (conversations) is still a taboo in their culture.

The mental health issues among international students are increasing and even authorities do not know how to assist students offshore. It was also reported that a student had taken his own life citing concerns that the authority will not approve his visa application if he sought professional help.