The mother of a six-year-old boy with Down Syndrome says it was a punch in the guts to find out he's being deported. 

The family arrived from South Africa on visitor visas two years ago and have been living in Waikato. 

But a new rule means children of temporary visa-holders have to leave the country - if they have a severe cognitive or developmental disorder and require significant support.

The couple sought ministerial intervention from Associate Immigration Minister Chris Penk, who declined without giving the family a reason. 

Mother Sonandi Geldenhuys says the couple had planned to apply for residency. 

"We read about the acceptable standard of health before we came over and it all pointed towards medical, and Luandre has no medical conditions."

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