One of the country's brightest young entrepreneurs says he will have to leave New Zealand and return to Turkey over immigration rules.
Omer Hazer's story was featured on TVNZ1's Seven Sharp in late August, where we learned the enterprising 20-year-old had brought some valuable skills with him when he moved to New Zealand seven years ago.
"When I was 14 I started my first company that sold online items for games. When I was 16 I started an influencer marketing manager company, which had a team of about six people," Mr Hazer told Seven Sharp.
Mr Hazer had just started working for an Auckland tech start-up company in a marketing role, but no longer able to get a student visa and without a qualification, Omer Hazer's working visa was denied.
In a heartfelt blog post, Mr Hazer revealed that his appeal over this decision was also turned down by immigration two days ago, meaning he will have to return to Turkey.
"I was told that I need to leave New Zealand immediately. I am in the process of selling most of my belongings that I have accumulated over 7 years in New Zealand," Mr Hazer wrote.
Upon returning to Turkey it's likely he will have to serve in the military for a period of time.
"The second I arrive in Turkey they'll look and say you haven't served in the army yet. And you will have to serve in the army," he told Seven Sharp in August.
Mr Hazer finished his blog post with a gracious thank-you to the country he wanted to stay in so much.
"Leaving New Zealand doesn't feel like I am being ushered out of a foreign country and back home but quite the opposite," he said.
"These seven years have been quite a journey and regardless of how things ended I thank New Zealand and the people I’ve met throughout my time here for everything done for me.
"Without my experiences and opportunities I got in NZ, I am sure that I wouldn’t be half the man I am today. Let the next chapter in my life begin."
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