A British couple, Rob O’Leary and Jessica Mathers, who faced imminent deportation from Australia, have been granted permanent residency after a lengthy five-year battle. Their plight was highlighted earlier this week when they made a desperate appeal to Immigration Minister Tony Burke for a joint permanent visa.
The couple’s initial application was rejected in 2022 because Mathers was considered an ‘economic burden’ due to her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). The Department of Home Affairs ruled that her potential healthcare costs exceeded the $86,000 threshold, which is a significant factor in visa decisions.
In an unexpected turn of events, however, their case was reviewed after they appealed to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) in 2023. Although the AAT did not initially rule in their favour, it referred their case to Burke, who holds the authority to grant residency on a discretionary basis.
On Thursday morning, O’Leary and Mathers received the news they had long awaited: their application for permanent residency was approved. They expressed their relief and joy in a heartfelt statement, calling the decision life-changing. They now look forward to building their future in Australia, free from the anxiety that had overshadowed their lives due to uncertainty about their immigration status.
Their local MP, Allegra Spender, delivered the good news, confirming that Burke had intervened on their behalf. The couple noted that the approval marks the end of a challenging emotional journey and that they plan to focus on new beginnings and pursue their dreams in Australia.
Prior to this development, they garnered significant public support, creating a petition that attracted over 27,000 signatures, appealing against their deportation due to Mathers’ health condition. They had also put many plans on hold while awaiting the outcome of their case, a source of great stress for them.
Now with clarity and security, O’Leary and Mathers are excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead. A spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs commented that all non-citizens must meet the requirements of the Migration Act and Regulations, including those related to health, security, and character.
This outcome not only provides a fresh start for the couple but also underscores the complexities and challenges often faced by individuals seeking to navigate the Australian immigration system.