Auckland (Avneet Kaur)
A growing public campaign is urging New Zealand authorities to allow a five-year-old autistic child of Indian origin to remain in the country, with more than 13,000 people signing a petition supporting the family.
The child, Aidhan Nithin, was denied residency approval after immigration authorities raised concerns about the possible long-term cost of healthcare and education support linked to his autism diagnosis. The decision has sparked emotional reactions from supporters, politicians and members of the community, many of whom say separating the family would be unfair and inhumane.
Aidhan’s parents are both permanent residents in New Zealand and work in the healthcare sector. His father, Nithin Mankil, is employed as an elder care nurse, while his mother works as a senior healthcare assistant. The family says they came to New Zealand to build a stable future and are now living under constant stress over the possibility of being forced apart.
According to the family, they fear their son may face deportation despite both parents contributing to New Zealand’s healthcare workforce. Nithin Mankil said the uncertainty has deeply affected them emotionally, adding that they simply want to continue living together as a family.
The petition supporting Aidhan was recently presented to Parliament with backing from politicians across different parties. MPs have urged immigration authorities and ministers to reconsider the case, arguing the family has become an important part of their local community.
Labour MP Rachel Boyack said she had been assisting the family for nearly a year and described the support from the community as overwhelming. She said healthcare workers are badly needed in regions like Nelson, where both parents are helping care for elderly residents.
Boyack also revealed that temporary arrangements have allowed Aidhan to attend school, where teachers reportedly describe him as a cheerful and affectionate child who is adapting well and enjoying life in New Zealand.
Green Party MP Ricardo Menéndez March has also called for intervention in the case, saying the issue has united politicians from different backgrounds who believe compassion should be shown to the family.
The case has also reignited debate around New Zealand’s immigration health rules, particularly policies affecting disabled children and applicants with medical conditions. Critics argue that families contributing positively to society should not face separation because of additional healthcare or education needs.
Supporters say the situation raises wider questions about fairness, inclusion and how countries treat families of children with disabilities. Many people signing the petition believe the child deserves the opportunity to continue his education and life in New Zealand alongside his parents.
Aidhan is expected to turn six next week, with his father saying the family hopes authorities will show compassion and allow them to stay together permanently.
“We are alone here with no extended family,” Nithin said. “We only want to live together peacefully and give our son a good future.”
