Australia’s Struggle with Immigration Policies and Health Requirements

Two-year-old Luca and his parents faced challenges in Australia due to his cystic fibrosis diagnosis, which led to potential rejection based on medical needs. The government’s strict health requirements, rooted in discriminatory policies dating back to 1901, have affected many families like Mehwish Qasim’s and Claire Day’s, who are fighting to stay in the country despite their children’s medical conditions.

Campaigners are pushing for a review of the health requirements, arguing that the current system is ableist and unfair. Mehwish Qasim’s struggle to stay in Australia with her son Shaffan highlights the difficulties families face in meeting the high cost criteria for medical care.

As social worker Shizleen Aishath’s experience shows, the immigration policies prioritize finances over family unity, leaving many in limbo. Despite job offers and contributions to society, families like Claire Day’s fear being separated due to their children’s medical conditions.