"Jaziel's future needs cannot be predicted," says mother Christin Das, arguing for ministerial intervention.
Bendigo Family Faces Deportation Over Son’s Medical Condition
Registered nurse Christin Das and her family are facing deportation from Australia after their permanent residency application was rejected—due to the medical condition of their six-year-old son, Jaziel.
The family, who live in Bendigo, Victoria, includes Ms Das, her husband Jineesh Joseph, their son Jaziel (6), and daughter Hazel (2). Their current visas expire on May 29, 2025.
The Medical Condition
Jaziel has corpus callosum thinning, a condition that affects the transmission of signals between the brain's hemispheres. He requires specialist schooling and ongoing allied health support.
The Visa Refusal
The family applied for permanent residency under the employer-nominated skilled worker program in June 2023. Their application was refused based on Australia’s health requirements.
A Commonwealth Medical Officer estimated that Jaziel's lifetime care would cost the Australian community $1.245 million. This figure includes costs for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), disability services, and special education.
The visa was refused under a rule that allows the government to deny entry if a person's care will pose a "significant cost" to the community.
A 2024 policy change raised the Significant Cost Threshold from $51,000 to $86,000, but it did not exempt Jaziel from the requirement.
Family Pleads for Compassion
Ms Das argues that Jaziel’s future needs cannot be accurately predicted and that his development has shown clear progress. She is now requesting ministerial intervention from Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.
An online petition supporting the family has gathered over 4,000 signatures.
Community and Expert Support
Bendigo Health acknowledged Ms Das's contributions to the community and expressed hope for a positive outcome.
Joshua Strutt, CEO of the Immigration Advice and Rights Centre, has criticized the policy as discriminatory. He is calling for health waivers for workers in critical industries, such as nursing.
A departmental spokesperson declined to comment on individual cases.