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Immigration Department sends letter to dead man for overstaying in Australia

The tourist was in Australia on his honeymoon when he died in January this year. Months after his death, Immigration Department tells him he has overstayed.

Australia visa
Source: Wikipedia

2 min read

Published

Updated

By Mosiqi Acharya



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British man David Bulmer-Rizzi visited Australia in late December. He was on a honeymoon with his partner Marco Bulmer Rizzi in Australia when he fell off the stairs at the property they were staying in, in Adelaide. He remained in induced coma before he died days later.

Now, almost 4 months since the tragedy, David’s partner told an Australian news website that that Australia’s Department of Immigration has sent an email to David on Wednesday stating that he’s overstayed his Australian visa.

“The sooner you approach DIBP, the more options may be available to you,” the letter read.

“Staff will provide clear and personally relevant information about your visa or departure options, so you can make informed decisions sooner.”

The man’s partner, Marco, told news.com.au that the letter had been a body blow even as he is trying to cope with this tragedy. “It’s plunged me right back to the day he died,” he said.

“Every time something like this comes up, my ability to just focus and celebrate David and our relationship is taken away.

“It’s just constant and relentless. I can’t seem to be able to just be left alone and try to process this and try to hang on to the happy times and memories I have,” he said.

The website reported that DIBP have admitted the letter was sent in error and has apologised.


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