A British couple who have spent nearly a decade in Australia have been saved from deportation in a last-gasp decision by the federal government to grant them permanent residency.
Rob O’Leary and Jessica Mathers, who met while working in Sydney in 2017, were concerned they might be forced to return to the UK due to visa issues linked to Jessica’s medical condition.
But on Thursday, they took to social media to share their visas were approved: ‘We are proud to announce we are Australia’s newest permanent residents!’
‘This morning, we received the life-changing news we’ve been hoping for, our visa has been granted!’
The couple’s immigration struggle had started in 2020 after Ms Mathers was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).
The condition is a chronic and degenerative disease which affects the central nervous system, disrupting the brain’s ability to communicate with the body.
Ms Mathers received treatment in Australia under the Reciprocal Health Care Arrangement with the UK, which gives British citizens access to some Medicare services.
When the couple applied for permanent residency, officials rejected the application and cited her MS diagnosis.
Jessica Mathers and Rob O’Leary (pictured) were granted permanent residency on Thursday
The government will routinely deny applicants residency in Australia if they have chronic conditions that will use up public health resources.
After they lost their appeal to overturn the decision in 2023, legal advice suggested the couple’s case had little chance of success without direct ministerial involvement.
The couple then decided to launch a public campaign to stay in Australia.
Their story struck a chord with thousands of supporters, and a petition calling on the government to intervene attracted over 27,000 signatures.
With their visas now secured, the pair have credited local MP for the federal seat of Wentworth, Allegra Spender, for her advocacy behind the scenes.
‘She shared that the Minister for Immigration, Tony Burke, personally contacted her to confirm the decision!’ they said on Facebook, thanking the politician for her support.
The pair said the decision has finally allowed them to turn the page after nearly five years of uncertainty and legal fights to remain in Australia.
‘Rob has proudly called Australia home for nearly 10 years, and Jess for 8,’ they said.
Jessica’s visa was initially rejected due to her diagnosis of Multiple sclerosis
The couple were made permanent residents after Immigration Minister Tony Burke intervened
‘We’re so grateful that our contributions have been recognised, and that we can finally move forward with clarity and security.’
The prolonged visa battle meant the couple had to put their life on pause as they faced the threat of being deported at any moment.
‘There are so many things we’ve put on hold, just in case we had to leave,’ they said.
‘But now, with this door wide open, we feel more focused and excited than ever to build our future in the country we love.’
They also shared that their families back in the UK were overjoyed by the news and are already planning visits to celebrate with them in person.
Now on holiday to mark their eighth anniversary as a couple, Rob and Jess said they plan to host a special celebration with family and friends to mark the milestone.
A spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs told Daily Mail Australia they do not comment on individual cases for privacy reasons.
