The Associate Minister of Immigration Nikki Kaye's decision not to intervene means kidney transplant patient Sanil Kumar must leave New Zealand by tomorrow, says Labour's Immigration spokesperson Rajen Prasad.

'Kumar, a plumber and sheet metal worker, was on a work visa until he was diagnosed with serious renal disease requiring a kidney transplant. He is currently having daily dialysis.

'Sanil's first cousin, a New Zealand citizen, is a potential kidney donor and is currently undergoing tissue matching and other tests to determine her suitability.

” It is anticipated that these tests will be finished by May. Another cousin is also ready to be a donor if required.

'Sanil's family in New Zealand is very supportive and has now amassed the funds required to pay for the cost of a kidney transplant in Auckland.

'Nikki Kaye has based her decision not to intervene on a Ministry of Health report to her which states that patients may receive three months free treatment for local patients from the Fijian Government during which time they ‘need either to find a live donor and be prepared to pay for their dialysis treatment thereafter (FJ$32,000 per year).”

'Fiji does not perform kidney transplants but sometimes sends patients to India if a donor can be found.

'In New Zealand, Sanil has a very good chance of getting a donor from within his family.His health can be maintained on dialysis until a transplant is conducted. On the other hand his future in Fiji is uncertain.

'Under these circumstances New Zealand could have shown greater compassion and used Ministerial discretion appropriately to enable this young man from the Pacific to have a normal life. But that is not to be and I find it hard to accept that our country could not demonstrate compassion in this case.”

Source: Office of Rajen Prasad.