Oz immigration backlog prevents Welshman from migrating to care for parents

Wes Leonard’s application for a carer’s visa to look after his aged parents in Australia is unlikely to succeed due to immigration red tape.

Wes’s parents, Leonard and Audrey, were cared for by his sister Samantha at their home in Bakewell, Northern Territories until her death in late 2012. Both parents are in poor health, are Australian nationals and have lived in Bakewell for 30 years.

Les wants to migrate to Australia with his wife and 17-year-old daughter to care for his parents, is financially secure and has jobs waiting in the town for him. However, he now believes that, by the time he can get the necessary ‘remaining relatives’ visa, his parents will be dead.

Australian immigration officials have told him that, because of a backlog, it may be as much as 14 years until his visa and those of his wife and daughter are granted. Wes is 55 years old, and the cut-off point for immigration is now 50, unless the applicant is a minister of religion, an academic or has special skills.

He is desperate to be able to help his parents, but has been told that his application is unlikely to succeed and will cost AU$5,000 whatever the outcome. A spokesman for the Department of Immigration and citizenship told the media that there is no age limit on a carer visa, but there are stringent regulations and eligibility criteria which have to be met.

The official added that he would encourage Wes to get in touch with the Australian Embassy in London to discuss his visa options. Wes, however, is depressed and frustrated by the mixed messages he’s getting and his concern for his parents’ well-being.