Sydney Chef Dies in Bali Motorbike Crash, Brother Faces Visa Dilemma for Italy Funeral
Davide Vulpis, a 35-year-old chef from Sydney, died in a motorbike crash in Bali last Monday while on holiday. Vulpis, originally from Italy, had been living in Sydney for a year and working at an Italian restaurant. His family plans to hold a funeral in Italy later this month.
Brother's Visa Concerns Threaten Attendance
His younger brother, Christian Vulpis, 29, currently resides in Sydney on a Bridging Visa C (BVC). Under the conditions of a BVC, leaving Australia results in the visa ceasing, preventing return on the same visa. Christian Vulpis expressed a desire to attend his brother's funeral but fears that departing Australia would jeopardize his future residency with his partner.
Christian Vulpis expressed a desire to attend his brother's funeral but fears that departing Australia would jeopardize his future residency with his partner.
Department Confirms Visa Restrictions
A Department of Home Affairs spokesperson confirmed that BVC holders can depart Australia, but the visa ceases upon departure. Re-entry to Australia would require obtaining another visa, with no guarantee of approval. The spokesperson also noted that applications lodged in Australia generally require the applicant to be in Australia at the time of decision, while applications lodged outside Australia generally require the applicant to be outside Australia at the time of visa grant.
Family's Grief and Community Support
Christian Vulpis stated his brother was a significant positive influence in his life and a pillar of strength for their family. An online fundraiser has collected over $11,000 to cover cremation costs in Bali, legal fees, transportation of ashes to Italy, and related funeral expenses.