Nurse May Be Deported Due to Son's Health

By Anna McGuinness

ABC Central Victoria

Topic: Migration Policy

Christin Das and her family are asking for help.

In short:

A nurse and her family may be deported because of their son's health.

Nurse Christin Das is asking for help from the government.

What's next?

A non-profit group says health waivers should be available for critical workers.

Nurse Christin Das works hard and takes care of her children.

Her family's visas will expire on May 29.

The family may be deported because of their son's health.

Their son Jaziel has a condition that affects his brain.

Jaziel goes to a special school and gets extra help.

Nurse Christin Das has asked for help from the government.

She wants the minister to look at her case and be fair.

Australia has rules about who can stay in the country.

The rules were changed in 2024 to help some families.

Some experts think the government should be more flexible.

A better life

Nurse Christin Das and her family moved to Australia for a better life.

Their daughter Hazel was born in Australia.

Nurse Christin Das was honest about her son's health when they applied to move to Australia.

Jaziel was born in Ireland and Hazel was born in Australia.

The family is settled in Bendigo and Jaziel goes to a special school.

Jaziel is making progress and getting better.

The family applied for permanent residency in June 2023.

The visa application has health requirements.

A doctor said Jaziel's care would cost the community a lot of money.

But no one knows what Jaziel's future needs will be.

Nurse Christin Das is stressed and worried about her family's future.

She asks the government to look at her case and consider her family's situation.

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Many people have signed a petition to support the family.

Bendigo Health said it is a difficult time for the family and colleagues.

Bendigo Health values Nurse Christin Das's contribution to the community.

The hospital hopes for a positive outcome for the family.

Policy 'discriminates'

An expert says the migration policy discriminates against people with health issues.

Joshua Strutt says it is a huge issue and many families are affected.

Some families consider leaving their children behind or leaving Australia.

The immigration system is confusing and unclear.

The expert is calling for health waivers for critical workers.

The policy discriminates against people with health issues.

Critical workers should have access to health waivers.

Immigration Minister Tony Burke was contacted for comment.

A departmental spokesperson said they cannot comment on individual cases.

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