Source : Perth Now news
A couple whose decade-long stay in Australia could be set to end due to a bizarre paperwork mix-up say they are praying for a miracle as their deadline looms.
Rory and Michelle Hewitt arrived from South Africa in 2015 and have spent the past 12 years living, working and contributing to the country they now call home.
But an unfortunate bungle has left their right to live and work in Australia in jeopardy, with a mix-up at the Home Affairs office meaning technically for nine days in 2023, Mrs Hewitt was in the country unlawfully.
Their two sons, Matthew and Caleb, children when the family moved, have grown up in Australia, met partners and are permanent residents.
But despite the rest of their family being able to stay, Mr and Ms Hewitt are set to be booted from the country this month – unless a solution can be found.
Since learning of the mix-up, the 52-year-olds have been forced to give up their jobs and live off their savings – and the generosity of their local community – as they await answers.
But with the October 22 deadline looming, they could be forced to return to South Africa before the month is out.
“We’re praying for a miracle,” Mrs Hewitt told NewsWire.
Since discovering their situation, the family has been inundated with support from the Gold Coast community, particularly their local church group.
They have seen a petition started in their favour and a GoFundMe page set up to help them plug holes left by their forced work exits.
Politicians have reached out to try to offer their backing, while friends have also tried to help in any way they can.
But they are now facing a nervous fortnight waiting to see if the Home Affairs office can answer their prayers and allow them to remain in Australia and return to work.
“We are trying our best to remain positive through everything, but this enforced retirement life really isn’t for me,” Mr Hewitt said.
“It has been a real challenge trying to stay sane and active.”
Ms Hewitt said being able to spend more time with their new granddaughter had been a “blessing” but the uncertainty continued to take its toll.
The mix-up centres around an error when Ms Hewitt was being transferred between visas in 2023, which has prevented their expiring papers from being renewed.
Their last hope is that Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke is able to intervene and grant the couple the right to stay.
Should this not happen, the couple would be forced to return to South Africa for the first time in a decade.
“There is no real place for me in South Africa, but the door back to Australia would be slammed shut,” Mr Hewitt added.
“We know South Africa cannot be home to us.
“We would just have to go back and then investigate whether there are any options for us elsewhere.”
Ms Hewitt added: “We can only do so much ourselves, we’re just hoping the man upstairs can do the rest.”
Mr Burke has been approached for comment. A spokesman for the Home Affairs Office said the department could not comment on individual cases “for privacy reasons”.
