‘Life-changing’: Sydney couple saved from medical deportation

A couple who have been building their lives for almost a decade in Australia have been saved at the 11th hour from deportation.

A Sydney couple facing deportation because of a medical diagnosis have received an 11th-hour reprieve.

Rob O’Leary and Jessica Mathers were on track to be sent back to Britain following Ms Mathers’ multiple sclerosis diagnosis despite having arrived in Australia in 2017.

However, Immigration Minister Tony Burke has allowed the couple to stay.

“We are proud to announce we are Australia’s newest permanent residents!” the couple posted online Thursday.

“This morning, we received the life-changing news we’ve been hoping for – our visa has been granted!”

The couple say they did their best to set up lives in Sydney while in visa limbo. Picture: Change.org

“There are so many things we’ve put on hold – just in case we had to leave. But now, with this door wide open, we feel more focused and excited than ever to build our future in the country we love.”

Their families are already planning a celebratory visit.

“Here’s to new beginnings, big dreams, and a bright future ahead.”

The pair documented their situation via an online petition. They had applied for permanent residency; however, Ms Mathers was diagnosed with MS in Sydney in 2020.

“Our PR application was rejected based on perceived future healthcare costs due to Jessica’s condition,” Mr O’Leary said.

Ms Mathers was treated under the reciprocal healthcare scheme Australia shares with 11 countries, and MRIs showed her condition had not progressed since the diagnosis.

Immigration Minister Tony Burke approved their permanent residency. Picture: NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“Jessica built her life here well before her diagnosis,” Mr O’Leary said.

“To now be told she has to leave because of her condition feels discriminatory. It’s as if all of her contributions are suddenly irrelevant because of a health condition that is being successfully managed.”

Mr O’Leary owns a crane and carpentry business, and Ms Mathers works in marketing and has received recognition for her musical contributions to the Bondi creative scene.

They unsuccessfully challenged their rejected permanent residency bid at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal in 2023. The defeated tribunal appeal was then escalated to the Immigration Minister.

“We were over the moon to hear from our local MP, Allegra Spender, who has been incredibly supportive throughout our journey,” the couple posted on Thursday.

“She shared that the Minister for Immigration, Tony Burke, personally contacted her to confirm the decision.

“This marks the end of a nearly four-year-long, emotional road – and the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

“Rob has proudly called Australia home for nearly 10 years, and Jess for eight. We’re so grateful that our contributions have been recognised, and that we can finally move forward with clarity and security.”

Originally published as ‘Life-changing’: Sydney couple saved from medical deportation