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Irish Family Facing Deportation From Australia Because Their Son Has Cystic Fibrosis

Irish Family Facing Deportation From Australia Because Their Son Has Cystic Fibrosis

The four-year-old's condition is considered a burden on the health system and they need to leave.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

An Irish family, who has been living in Australia for nearly 10 years, could be deported next month because their son has cystic fibrosis.

The Hyde's say their impending deportation order is because four-year-old Darragh is a burden on the country's health system and coffers. According to 7 News, the drug he takes to treat his condition costs up to $300,000 a year.

Anthony and Christine Hyde had been living in rural Victoria and were incredibly close to being granted permanent residency.

That all changed when their son was born and he was diagnosed with his condition.

Their application for PR was then denied as he was considered too costly to the country and the Hyde's were thrown into a panic of what to do.

Christine has told nine.com.au: "It's a real sickening feeling now, because this is it - we can't stay beyond those days. I have every faith in our case, I do believe we'll be ok, but it's that manic feeling of trying to get their attention.

"We don't want to go back to Ireland. There is nothing there for us.

Channel 10

"We just want to be here, this is our home and for that to be taken away because our son has a medical condition, which was unknown, it's just heartbreaking. It's not his fault."

Christine has started petition online, which has attracted more than 76,000 signatures from people wanting the family to stay.

While Darragh's medicine is on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, a program that lowers the cost of drugs for Aussies, it means the huge bill is shared by everyone.

7 News

"His condition has no effect on his cognitive ability and should he wish to finish school and go to University, he has every chance at being successful in a career path of his choosing. Darragh is a bright boy with a positive future ahead of him," Christine said.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel for the Hyde team after another family in a similar circumstance was approved to stay.

Kinley Wangchuk, 18, and his family from Queanbeyan were going to be kicked out and sent back to Bhutan because he had a hearing impairment - but the Immigration Minister intervened and allowed them to stay.

Christine and Anthony are now hoping that a similar level of clemency is sent their way and they can enjoy the life they've set up in Australia.

Featured Image Credit: Change.org

Topics: News, Australia