A Joint Statement by Victoria Overseas Student Associations

The bungling by the Labour and Immigration department in attempting to throw James Movick out of the country is causing deep concern and reflects a total disregard for the civil and democratic rights of overseas students.

James was unanimously elected in the 1977 ISC (held in Victoria University) to represent some 3,000 overseas students in N.Z. His leadership and devotion to the cause for which he was elected have never been questioned. His commmitments and achievements in fighting for the interests of the overseas students have so far been very encouraging especially in the campaign against the 45% cutback on overseas students.

That he was later overwhelmingly elected at the August Council as the NZUSA International Vice-President only reinforced the prestige and confidence he enjoyed among students, both New Zealanders and overseas students alike. This is in many ways a major breakthrough and unprecedented in the history of overseas students in N.Z. This first step taken by James in uniting overseas and N.Z. students on a common ground is thus of utmost importance. To realise this goal it is vital that James be allowed to stay to do the job.

We are solidly behind James in his application for a special permit. The granting of such permits on grounds of good academic records is grossly irrelevant and deplorable. It is regrettable that under the autonomy of universities, a separate set of rules should govern the academic freedom of overseas students.

At the crucial moment of this campaign, we once again urge all overseas students to join us in expressing solidarity with James Movick—our elected overseas student leader.

Chung Kek Yoong, President—Malaysian Students' Assn.

Anthony Pramualratana, President—Thai Students' Assn.

Lawrence Ngen, President—Malaysia & Singapore Students' Assn.

Penaia Samusamuvodre, President—Fiji Students' Assn.