A British couple who have been claiming taxes in Australia for years in Australia and claims that they are confronted with deportation because of an 'outdated' law.
Robert O'Leary and Jessica Mathers both come from the United Kingdom, but found each other while they worked in Sydney in 2017 and fell in love.
Since then they have built their lives together in Australia, throw themselves in their career, pay taxes and deal with the eastern suburbs of the city.
Mrs. Mathers received a shock diagnosis in 2020 when doctors informed her that she had recurrent remittering multiple sclerosis.
In the chronic state, the immune system attacks the central nervous system and disrupts the ability of the brain to communicate with the body.
Symptoms are numbness, vision problems, balance and coordination problems and muscle weakness.
The variant of Mathers-Relapsing-Remitting MS can sometimes be more forgiving than progressive cases of the disease, but means that the Brit stops suffer from symptoms followed by periods of partial recovery of the condition.
She said that the condition is 'well managed' so far.
Robert O'Leary and Jessica met Mathers and fell in love in Sydney, but are now confronted with deportation
However, when she and Mr. O'Leary applied for a permanent stay, migration officials mentioned her MS in their rejection.
The potential future costs of the state of MS Mathers for the Australian economy formed the basis of the refusal.
The couple said that the statement caused them unnecessary stress and left them no way to plan their future together.
They understand the government's position, but believe that the nuance of Mrs. Mathers' condition deserves to be taken into consideration.
“We both respect that the costs of health care should be considered, but we are convinced that our situation – Jessica's stable state and our contributions to the community should be taken into account,” said Mr. O'Leary.
'We have worked hard and paid taxes since we arrived in Australia. We are dedicated to continue our career here, but current immigration legislation does not take into account the value we bring to the country. '
Mrs. Mathers has received her regular MS treatment under Australia and the mutual health care scheme of the United Kingdom.
When the couple applied to become residents of Australia, the government refused because of the costs of MS Mathers's MS diagnosis
This allows British residents to gain access to some of the subsidized care services of Medicare during a visit to Australia.
The couple believes that Mrs. Mathers' state is stable – so far it has not shown signs of progression in medical scans.
She has been able to continue working with the situation and has remained an active participant in the community, which increases consciousness for MS fundraisers for Mrs. Australia. They also DJs at the weekend.
Mrs. Mathers was even nominated 'Bondi Creative Woman of the Year'.
Her partner has a construction company.
“Rob's on carpentry -based skills and expertise in the construction sector are popular, but our future here is in balance because of the health status of Jessica,” the couple said.
But their visa statuses have led them to be unable to promote their lives and “for years in the uncertain life.”
The Australian laws hinder dealing with ex-pats with banks and further employment perspectives while waiting for a decision about their profession, which lies in front of the administrative professional tribunal.
'We don't ask for special treatment, but for honesty. We love Australia, “said Mathers Online
In a brutal blow, lawyers have informed the couple that they have a very little chance of winning their appeal, unless immigration -minister Tony Burke personally intervenes in their case.
The couple has since set up a petition online in which an overview of the immigration policy that influences people with well -managed health problems.
The petition was launched online on Saturday and attracted more than 1300 signatures.
'We don't ask for special treatment, but for honesty. We love Australia, and we have worked hard to contribute to this country in meaningful ways. All we want is the chance to keep doing this, “wrote the couple.
'We ask for the following: an evaluation of immigration policy that denies skilled migrants with well -managed health conditions the chance to stay in Australia.
'The intervention of the minister in our case, so that we can continue to live, work and contribute to Australia.
'A fair, compassionate and case on a case -by -case assessment of immigration applications based on the contributions that migrants have made to Australian society.
“Our case is urgent and we don't have time anymore. We now need your support to help us stay in the country in which we met and call home.
“Please stand with us and help us to make Australia a place where honesty, equality and contribution above all are appreciated.”
