Immigration Issues for our Sangha -NZBC

For over three years, it has been very difficult for our ordained Sangha to obtain Permanent Residency. The NZBC (New Zealand Buddhist Council)has been working hard to change this so that our Dharma communities can have continuity of spiritual care. We have identified the issues and presented Immigration Services with very reasonable alternatives that meet both our Dharma communities' and the Immigration Service's requirements. During the past two years, NZBC has:
written three briefing papers for government officials
met with Immigration officials on three occasions
organised an alliance of four religious communities who experience similar issues (Hindu, Sikh, Muslim and Buddhist)
authored a "Helpful Hints" paper (for the previous government)
We have also gained some publicity; in December 2009, Radio New Zealand National's Nine to Noon interviewed our Chairperson, Amala Wrightson (download podcast here).
Recently there have been signs that our concerns are being heard by government officials, and that the Minister of Immigration is preparing to take a serious look at the problem.
We continue to liaise with Buddhist organisations to monitor the situation. If your organisation can provide us with examples of how this policy has affected you, we would like to hear from you as soon as possible. The Council cannot get involved in individual cases, but we are able to inform officials about the common problems faced by our communities.
Please contact Amala Wrightson at info@buddhistcouncil.org.nz if you have issues you would like her to pass on.
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http://www.buddhistcouncil.org.nz/.