British couple living in Australia set to be deported due to 'outdated' rule following shock diagnosis

A British couple living in Australia face being cruelly deported due to an 'outdated' law regarding emigration and health conditions.

Couple Robert O'Leary and Jessica Mathers have spent the past eight years building a life together after meeting in Sydney, Australia. Both natives of the UK, Robert and Jessica had moved Down Under and were committed to building a life there — until a health diagnosis disrupted their plans.

Cruelly, this meant that Jessica and Robert would have their application for permanent residency in Australia rejected, with the government citing potential future costs regarding her MS as a strain on the economy.

Robert O'Leary and Jessica Mathers were building a life Down Under (Facebook)

Australia has particularly strict health requirements when it comes to immigration, with applicants expected to be 'free from any disease or condition' which could cause a 'significant cost' to Australians or limit access for Australians and permanent residents to health services.

However, the couple believe this is 'outdated' and doesn't take into account the 'value' they've brought to the country or Robert's 'in demand' expertise and skill set.

Jessica also explained that her condition is currently 'well-managed' thanks to treatments she undergoes every six months through Australia and the UK's Reciprocal Health Care Arrangement.

The couple met in Sydney back in 2017 and have since worked to build a life Down Under (Getty Stock Images)

The couple have since launched a Change.org petition to plead for intervention from the Immigration Minister, explaining how the decision has had a devastating impact on their ability to plan for the future.

"This decision has been devastating. It has affected our ability to plan for our future since 2021, limiting Jessica’s career opportunities," the couple wrote on their petition page.

"We both respect that healthcare costs need to be considered, but we strongly believe that our situation - Jessica’s stable condition and our contributions to the community should be taken into account," the couple added.

"We have worked hard and paid taxes since we arrived in Australia in 2016/17."

Both Jessica and Robert are considered skilled workers, with Robert operating a construction company while Jessica works full-time alongside DJ-ing on the weekends.

The couple have now launched a Change.org petition to gather support for their case (Change.org)

"Rob’s carpentry-based skill set and expertise in the construction industry are in demand, yet our future here hangs in the balance," the couple said.

The couple are hoping that intervention from the government will not only allow them to stay in the country but possibly even bring about reform to Australian immigration policy.

"We are not asking for special treatment, but for fairness," they added. "We love Australia, and we have worked hard to contribute to this country in meaningful ways."

You can find out more about Robert and Jessica's petition here.