Pregnant Welsh woman facing deportation from Australia after spending $40,000 on 'dream life'

Wales Online

19-05-2025

Pregnant Welsh woman facing deportation from Australia after spending $40,000 on 'dream life'
Sarah Maxwell, a child protection worker, and Lewis Christie, a personal trainer, have spent five years building their life together on the Gold Coast
Sarah Maxwell, 32, and Lewis Christie, 30, face deportation while getting ready to welcome their first chid.
A Welsh woman living in Australia is appealing for help after her and her Scottish partner are at risk of being deported from their lives in Australia.
Sarah Maxwell, 32, is due to give birth in less than 10 days, as her and her partner Lewis Christie, 30, are awaiting a decision from Australian officials as to whether or not they can become permanent residents. Living in Queensland, Sarah claims the pair have spent $40,000 on their visas over the past nine years of living in the country.
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"I have lived in Australia for over 9 years and my partner Lewis over 5. Our current temporary visas end in August 2025 and we are awaiting a permanent residency offer. Without this, we run the risk of being deported," said Sarah.
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"Our whole lives are here, and we are proud and grateful to call Queensland our home. We have a baby on the way in May, two dogs, a beautiful and secure rental property, full time jobs/careers, pay taxes, have adequate healthcare, have a solid support network and all of our pregnancy, midwifery and post-partum care arrangements are here in Queensland Australia too.
"We have always dreamed of raising our family here and we are so close to this dream coming true, though running out of time."
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sarah worked in an Australian hospital "on the front line, supporting children and young people experiencing homelessness."
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Sarah currently works in a Queensland Government funded role in child protection with some of Queensland's most at risk children and families.
But the soon-to-be family of three say their time is running out. If they do not secure a visa by August, they will have to return to the UK.
"We have expressed interest in a 491 Skilled Regional Visa via Skill Select, and only have until August to receive an offer, otherwise our little family runs the risk of facing deportation after almost 10 years of building a life here and contributing significantly to the economy," Sarah continued.
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"We meet all the visa requirements and have more than enough points to receive an offer from Queensland migration.
"Over the years, between us we will have spent over $40,000 on visas to remain lawful in Australia. I have studied here and upskilled myself over the years to ensure we would be able to remain here and continue to live the life we adore.
"Unfortunately, my employer won't sponsor me, and Lewis is not currently eligible, and so receiving an offer for this 491 permanent residency visa before August is our only and last option.
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"We are desperate to remain in our secure, safe home and in this incredible country and we please ask that you sign this petition.
"It breaks our hearts to think of having to leave the life we have worked so hard to create for ourselves and our family here in Australia.
"If we have to go back to the UK, we have nothing and would be starting all over again with a new-born baby."
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"We respectfully ask Mr Tony Burke, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, to review our visa situation.
"We are not looking for sympathy but a fair chance to secure a permanent visa, allowing our little family to continue contributing to Australian society and the economy as permanent residents."
You can contribute to and read the couple's full petition here.