Kamil Lakshman – 
Nepal is the latest victim to succumb to a massive natural disaster. A beautiful country, which I had planned to visit, is facing a crisis.
The earthquake that shook the Himalayan nation on April 25, 2015 had, at press time, killed more than 7000 people. Many human lives have gone, and thousands are injured, become homeless and feel hopeless. International aid is pouring into the country and I understand that Indian Newslink is coordinating efforts with a number of orgnisations to mobilise material and financial resources for the distressed people in Nepal and the Nepalese community, especially students in New Zealand.
Special relationship
We have a special relationship with Nepal, and New Zealanders fondly remember the day when the late Sir Edmund Hillary climbed Mt Everest with his Nepalese mountain climber Tenzing Norgay (aka Sherpa Tenzing).
There are about 2000 international students from Nepal studying various courses in our Universities and tertiary institutions in Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch and Bay of Plenty.
Student problems
I have spoken to a number of community representatives on the problems created by the earthquake to Nepali population in Nepal and New Zealand. Many Nepalese come from modest economic background and depend on remittances from their parents or relatives. The earthquake has been a serious blow and many are worried that they will not be able to sustain living costs and pay their tuition and other fees.
Many students are keen to visit their homeland to meet their parents and relatives and are unable to do so either because they do not have the financial means to travel or a return visa to New Zealand. The visa problem is common to students pursuing short-term courses.
Some students who can borrow funds for travel and other expenses are worried that their legal status would be impaired if they go home for a visit.
The students are in financial, emotional, and psychological stress. Mental health is a real issue. This predicament becomes a breeding ground for undesirable incidents and migrant exploiters.
Can we provide relief measures for the people of Nepal?
The USA has announced certain measures.
What will be the stance of the New Zealand government?
Kamil Lakshman is a Lawyer & Principal of Wellington based law firm Idesi Legal Limited. She can be contacted on (04) 4616018 or 021-1598803. Email: kamil.lakshman@idesilegal.co.nz; The opinions expressed in her article above are her own and not that of Idesi Legal Limited or Indian Newslink. Readers can send their comments to editor@indiannewslink.co.nz
