Published: 05:12 BST, 5 August 2026 | Updated: 05:12 BST, 5 August 2026
A South African couple have been forced to leave over a visa mix-up, separating them from their two sons and granddaughter.
Rory and Michelle moved to Australia 12 years ago and settled in regional Queensland, but were told to pack their bags after the Department of Home Affairs deemed them to have been unlawfully in Australia for nine days in 2023.
'We got the phone call and they said, 'Well, you'd been unlawful for nine days back in 2023",' Michelle told A Current Affair.
'I was sort of taken aback, and I said, "I'm sorry?"'
Michelle claimed the government agency caused the issue as it took an extra nine days to process their visa renewal paperwork, ending their hopes of continuing the life they had built in the country.
'I've got the emails to prove that we weren't at fault during that time,' she said.
Despite submitting their paperwork on time and doing everything right by the book, Michelle said she was frustrated with the situation.
A South African couple have been forced to leave over a visa mix-up, separating them from their two sons and granddaughter
'We’ve given Australia all we have over the last 12 years,' Michelle said.
'We’ve always been conscious of paying our taxes and being employed and making sure our boys are always doing the right thing and working.'
'The crazy thing is we feel like we've done everything,' Rory added.
'There are a lot of hoops — and that's fair enough.
'Immigration is a sensitive thing, but we've done everything right.'
Although the pair have until October to leave under their bridging visa, Rory said they would depart next week after months of appealing left them without an income.