Can we have an NZ internet forum for this group?
The CouncilOfExMuslims.com forum already covers our needs really well. If you see a need for a more localised one, please email us (address on Contact page).
Why can’t I access councilofexmuslims.com from NZ?
The site hosts a great online forum and other valuable resources for ex-Muslims, but there currently seems to be a technical problem with the website. It seems that if your computer’s IP address is interpreted by that site as originating in Christchurch (and possibly other locations) you will see a “Forbidden” error 403 message.
To our knowledge, IP addresses starting with 111.69.n.n have this problem (Snap Internet). You can check your current external IP address using sites such as http://whatismyipaddress.com.
If you do get this 403 ‘Forbidden’ error, then you can work around the problem by temporarily reconfiguring your computer to use an internet Proxy server for HTTP, such as one in the UK or US. You can find them listed in many places such as www.freeproxylists.net.
Can I to emigrate to NZ, because it is safe for ex-Muslims there?
Yes, NZ is a good safe place to live and there are a number of routes to potentially achieve this, but none of them is easy or quick. Taking them in order of preference:
- Immigration via the normal points system
- This path is strongly recommended if at all possible. But the process will take several months.
- Immigration is controlled by Immigration NZ (part of a Government Ministry), and the best place to seek information is on their website.
- Assuming you want to live here permanently, (rather than study or a temporary visit) and have no family here already, then you have two main options – Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) or Business Investor Category.
- You may find it useful to talk with a licensed Immigration Advisor that is local to you. These are licensed by the NZ Government as capable of giving good advice.
- As a refugee or asylum seeker (not recommended, unless absolutely essential).
- NZ take part in the UNHCR quota system for refugees where we take very small numbers (750 per year). There are official legal channels for applying from outside NZ via the Refugee Status Branch (RSB) which is part of an NZ Government Ministry. There is a PDF document that describes the process for applying for asylum and a 28 page application form on that site.
- If you seek to apply under the refugee route, you’ll need to provide evidence of real threats against your safety and show that you and your family “face a risk of being persecuted or suffering torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.”
- However, if you apply via RSB and are rejected, this may have a negative impact on any subsequent travel visa if you want to travel to NZ – as a visitor for instance. The reason being that the authorities may suspect that you are attempting the third option below.
- Simply arrive here and then claim asylum.
- It happens, but it is highly risky and absolutely not recommended.
- The authorities do everything they can to spot people they suspect may be considering this, before they arrive, so it is not easy.
- If you attempt this, you are most likely to simply end up on a flight straight back to where you came from. This is not a free flight – you will be expected to pay.
- The old Dept of Labour website shows that in 2010/2011, they only approved 8% of asylum claims.
Additional information can be accessed via these links.