Over 15 families deported annually because a member has a disability

An investigation has found over 15 migrant families living in Australia face deportation each year because a family member has a disability which does not align with immigration requirements. Disability advocacy groups are accusing the government of breaching human rights and are taking the matter to the United Nations.

Dr Siyat Abdi and his family. Source: SBS

Kenyan born Siyat Abdi had been living in Australia for over 10-years when he was told he had 28-days to leave the country.

Blind since birth, Doctor Abdi failed the government's immigration health criteria, which requires applicants for a permanent residency visa be free from a disease or condition which is likely to require health care.

Dr Abdi was a university lecturer and tutor in South Australia. 

He had a wife, and two children both of whom were born in Australia. 

He says he was discriminated against because of a disability he was born with, and that the contribution he had made to Australian society was not taken into account.

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