Brilliant news!
An Irish family facing deportation from Australia because their son has cystic fibrosis have been allowed to stay.
Anthony and Christine Hyde, and their three-year-old son Darragh, who has cystic fibrosis, were granted a ministerial intervention on Friday, after their pending deportation caused outrage across the country.
The last minute intervention from Australia’s Immigration Minister, David Coleman, came after public outcry over the Hyde family’s plight with over 120,000 people signing an online petition in support of the young family.
Thank you to everyone who supported us,” Christine wrote on the petition page.
“Late yesterday evening we recieved the good news that we were granted residency. We are so excited, a huge weight has been lifted and we can continue our lives. We will are completely grateful to everyone!!”
Since 2015, the couple have found themselves embroiled in a legal battle with the Australian Department of Home Affairs, after they applied for permanent residency while Christine was pregnant.
It emerged that Darragh’s condition prevented him from passing the medical assessment for those applying for permanent residency.
Permanent residents are required to meet basic health requirements before they can be granted a visa and under Australian Migration law, costs associated with treatment cannot exceed $40,000 a year.
The family’s bridging visa was due to expire on 18 June but they were granted an extension until September to allow Coleman to review the case.
