Evgenii Liapin is fighting to remain in NZ to be with his wife Elizabeth, who is also his caregiver and best friend. Photo / Supplied
Evgenii Liapin is fighting to remain in NZ to be with his wife Elizabeth, who is also his caregiver and best friend. Photo / Supplied
A Russian international student has been denied a post-study work visa after graduating from Waikato University - because Immigration NZ says he may be a burden to the health system.
Evegenii Liapin, 26, who completed a graduate diploma public relations programme, has Kuelburg Welander disease, a form of muscular disorder, and has to move on around on a wheelchair because of weak muscles.
Dr Leo Revell, a Hamilton GP, who examined Liapin for the visa application, noted that he had no other medical problems, does not need surgery or any particular medications.
"His only problem is a physical disability which is corrected by being able to use an electric wheelchair," he wrote.
Evgenii Liapin suffers from Kuelburg Welander Disease and needs a wheelchair. Photo / Supplied
Revell described Liapin as "quite capable" and highly intelligent, and did not believe he would be a burden on the health system.
"He is actually quite qualified and capable of working in NZ in his field of public relations," he said.
International students with an acceptable New Zealand qualification and have studied in the course for 30 weeks or are eligible to apply for a post-study work visa.
But Immigration New Zealand declined Liapin's work visa application, saying he was not of an acceptable standard of health and deemed he was likely to impose significant costs and demands on New Zealand's health services.
Evgenii Liapin is angry and humiliated by INZ's decision. Photo / Supplied
Liapin, who is on an interim visa while awaiting a decision on the application, has been given 21 days - from the date of that May 31 decision - to leave the country, or face deportation.
"The patient cannot stand unassisted ... from the patient's words he gets daily assistance from his wife," INZ's medical assessor said.
"INZ cannot take into account family support as the applicant is being assessed as an individual and is therefore, without this support, likely to require health services or ongoing assistance for his daily living requirements."
INZ was also not satisfied there were any compelling humanitarian factors to justify making an exception.
"The medical assessor has commented that you do not have an acceptable standard of health for New Zealand because you are likely to impose significant costs and demands on New Zealand's health services during the period of your intended stay and their decision has been made for the final time," INZ said in its decision.
The agency has been approached for further comment.
Liapin, from Moscow, said he felt "so damn angry" and "humiliated" by the decision.
"I have never in my life faced such ruthless discrimination based only on the fact that I am a person with a disability, who is moving around in a wheelchair," he said.
Liapin said he had saved, and also borrowed money from family and friends for the $30,000 that he paid for the course and living expenses here since October 2019.
"For two years I put aside my pension, scholarship, and situational earnings to save up for this programme," he said.
"I have put my family in debt, and I was hoping to get this work visa so I could find a job and pay them back."
Liapin's 26-year-old wife Elizabeth Larina, who also graduated from Waikato University where she studied cellular and molecular biology, has been granted a post-study work visa.
Liapin said his wife was also his companion and best friend.
"Liz will have to stay on to work to help our financial situation, which is why I am fighting so hard to remain so that we will not be separated," he said.
