Brits issue 'urgent' plea as they face being deported for 'cruellest reason' (2025)

Robert O'Leary and Jessica Mathers say their dream life in Australia is at risk due to an 'outdated' law

A British couple say they are facing the threat of deportation from Australia due to an "outdated" law. Robert O'Leary and Jessica Mathers, originally from the UK, have spent years living and paying taxes in Australia after falling in love while working in Sydney in 2017.

However, in 2020, Jessica, 30, a project manager and DJ from Macclesfield, was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS).

MS is a condition where the immune system attacks the central nervous system, disrupting communication between the brain and body. So far, she says her condition has been "well-managed" but, when the couple applied for permanent residency, they were denied for a cruel reason.

According to Jessica and Robert, migration officials cited her MS and the potential future cost of her condition to the Australian economy as the reason for their application's rejection.

The couple says the verdict has caused them significant stress and made it difficult for them to make plans for their future together. They understand the government's position yet feel that Jessica's specific circumstances ought to be considered.

"We both respect that healthcare costs need to be considered, but we strongly believe that our situation - Jessica's stable condition and our contributions to the community should be taken into account," Robert said.

"We have worked hard and paid taxes since we arrived in Australia. We are committed to continuing our careers here, but the current immigration law doesn't account for the value we bring to the country."

Jessica receives her routine MS treatment thanks to the Reciprocal Health Care Arrangement between Australia and the UK, which allows British residents to access some of Medicare's subsidised health services in Australia, reports the Mirror.

Jessica and Robert maintain that her MS is in a stable state, with medical scans showing no progression thus far. Jessica has managed to keep working despite her illness.

She continues to play an active role in the community, boosting awareness for MS through fundraising events for MS Australia and performing as a DJ during weekends.

Her efforts led to a nomination as 'Bondi Creative Woman of the Year', whilst Robert runs his own construction business.

"Rob's carpentry-based skill set and expertise in the construction industry are in demand, yet our future here hangs in the balance due to Jessica's health condition," the couple said.

However, their visa statuses have left them "living in limbo for years" and unable to get on with their lives.

Australian laws hinder the ex-pats' ability to deal with banks and further employment prospects while they wait for a decision on their appeal, which is currently in the hands of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

However, in a devastating blow, lawyers told the couple that they had very little chance of winning their appeal unless Immigration Minister Tony Burke personally intervened in their case.

Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE

The couple has now started an online petition demanding a review of immigration policies affecting individuals with well-managed health conditions. Within days of its launch, the petition has amassed over 4,000 signatures.

They wrote: "We are not asking for special treatment, but for fairness.

"We love Australia, and we have worked hard to contribute to this country in meaningful ways. All we want is the chance to continue doing so. We are asking for the following: A review of the immigration policy that denies skilled migrants with well-managed health conditions the chance to stay in Australia.

"The Minister's intervention in our case, so we can continue to live, work, and contribute to Australia. A fair, compassionate, and case-by-case assessment of immigration applications based on the contributions migrants have made to Australian society."

They added: "Our case is urgent, and we are running out of time. We need your support now to help us stay in the country we met in and call home. Please stand with us and help us make Australia a place where fairness, equality, and contribution are valued above all else."

The Australian Department of Home Affairs has been contacted for comment.

You can sign the couple's petition here.