Perth family of Down syndrome boy allowed to stay in Australia after minister intervenes (2023-03-08 07:36:54)

A Perth family on the brink of deportation from Australia over their son’s disability have been granted the right to stay after intervention from Federal Immigration Minister Andrew Giles.

Krishna Aneesh and Aneesh Kollikkara established a life in WA with their daughter Aaryasree and son Aaryan, 10 – who lives with Down syndrome.

The family faced the prospect of moving back to India after seven years because their son was considered a “burden” on the health system.

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Their bridging visa was set to expire on March 15 and an application for permanent residency was rejected, as was an appeal.

But on Wednesday the family received the news they were desperate for, with Giles intervening.

The decision, made with the minister’s “public interest power”, allows the family to stay in Australia permanently.

Social justice campaigner Suresh Rajan tweeted the development on Wednesday afternoon.

“Letter received from Minister Giles’ office granting permanent residency to Krishna and Aneesh. Hallelujah,” it read.

Despite having established themselves in a home, jobs and as contributing members of the community, the family was staring at the exit door.

The federal government had calculated that looking after Aaryan would cost $664,000 over 10 years when factoring in carer payments and special education services.

However, the family previously argued they will never use those resources and were likely to pay more than that figure in taxes.

The children are privately schooled and the family has private health too. While the family has used Medicare for some of Aaryan’s appointments he has never claimed financial help through the NDIS.

“He’s physically capable and he’s able to do all his activities so he doesn’t need a carer or a supporter to help him,” mum Kollikkara said.