Archive · 25 Dec 2025
Indian-Origin Family Faces Deportation of Autistic Child in New Zealand
A family from India moved to New Zealand so the dad, Nithin, could work as a nurse.
They applied for residency, but their five-year-old son, Aidhan, was not approved for a visa because he has autism.
The family is very sad and scared because they might have to leave Aidhan behind or go back to India, but they can't because they gave up their jobs there.
Many people in New Zealand are supporting the family, and they are hoping for the best.
Nithin Mankeel, an Indian-origin healthcare worker, moved to New Zealand in January 2024 and applied for residency with his wife and son.
His five-year-old son, Aidhan, was denied a visa due to his autism diagnosis, which could lead to the family being separated.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) stated that no health waiver is allowed for applicants likely to impose significant costs on health and education services.
The family cannot return to India as they have given up their professional licences there to work in New Zealand.
The family is receiving support from local communities and is hoping for a positive resolution.
- Who
- Nithin Mankeel, his wife Aparna Jayandhan Geetha, and their five-year-old son Aidhan
- What
- The family is facing the possibility of being separated due to the decline of Aidhan's visa on health grounds
- When
- Nithin moved to New Zealand in January 2024, and the family applied for residency later in the year
- Where
- New Zealand
- Why
- Aidhan's autism diagnosis led to the visa decline, as it is considered to impose significant costs on health and education services
- Family Members
- Nithin Mankeel, Aparna Jayandhan Geetha, Aidhan Mankeel
- Current Location
- New Zealand
- Occupation of Nithin Mankeel
- Elder Care Nurse
- Visa Status
- Nithin and Aparna's visas approved, Aidhan's visa declined
- Reason for Visa Decline
- Aidhan's autism diagnosis
- Immigration Pathway
- Straight-to-residence pathway
- Support Received
- Local communities
- Feasibility of Returning to India
- Not feasible due to cancelled professional licences