New Zealand

Romanian worker allowed to stay in NZ

06:20 am on 1 January 2010

A father of two facing removal to Romania after he lost his job and was caught in an immigration "catch-22", has been told he can stay in New Zealand.

The Removal Review Authority heard that he lost his job as a fitter and turner, but was due to start permanent work at another company which went into liquidation.

He was offered a second job, but could not get a visa in time.

Other employers offered him only casual work or wanted him to have a visa first.

A migrant support group says the family's plight is a phenomenon of the recession.