Tibetan media has taken up the story of Dorjee Tsering, a Tibetan man who faces deportation from New Zealand because Immigration authorities are sceptical about the validity of his marriage to Dunedin woman Patricia Tsering.
Mr Tsering has some celebrity in the Tibetan community in India as a performer - where he is known as Lion Man - and before coming to New Zealand performed "daring stunt acts" at the Miss Tibet pageant.
The Tibetan Journal website has picked up his story, and reported: "Dharamshala’s stunt star the Lion Man’s marriage to Patricia has been questioned in New Zealand and he is now facing deportation."
Mr Tsering’s visa expired on November 8, and he had 42 days to appeal against deportation. Immigration New Zealand has questioned the validity of Mr Tsering’s marriage to Mrs Tsering, and after an early morning, unannounced visit to the couple’s Dunedin home advised them the department was not satisfied partnership requirements had been met.
Family members have rallied to support the Tserings, including Mrs Tsering’s uncle Peter Strang - former director of Student Health at the University of Otago - and her brother, Richard Goldsmith.
Mr Goldsmith disputed INZ’s view that the Tsering’s relationship was not real and lasting.
"In my observation, Patricia and Dorjee have a very close and loving relationship and I only see them apart when Patricia is working or Dorjee is away on his morning run," Mr Goldsmith said.
