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Tragic death of fiancé leaves British bride facing deportation
| Published: | 16 Sep at 6 PM |
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Ellen Gregory’s life turned to tragedy when her fiancé Jukka Guy died just a few days before they were due to marry.
Heartbroken, she buried him on their wedding day and is now facing deportation from Australia.Jukka, 27 years old, died suddenly in his sleep, and was buried on 5 April, the day of the wedding. The tragedy was compounded by Australia’s immigration department with a letter to his devastated fiancée informing her she must leave the country by 6 December as she had lost her chance of becoming a resident.
Londoner Ellen left the UK in 2009 to backpack around Oz, and met the love of her life in Ongerup. The couple set up home in Albany, and Ellen severed her ties with the UK and made a new life with Jukka.
Until her temporary resident visa was issued in anticipation of their wedding, Ellen had always remained in the country legally as regards the immigration system. Her temporary visa expires on 6 December, and she must leave or face deportation.
She’s desperate to stay in Albany, saying she needs to be with Jukka’s family and friends, who loved him as much as she did. She adds that she still feels her life is in the town where they lived happily together.
Albany MLA Peter Watson, a friend of the couple, feels the tragedy deeply and hopes common sense will prevail. He’s planning to meet with Ellen and will take the matter to the Immigration Department.
According to an immigration official, it’s as the law stands, in that Ellen’s visa was dependent on her marriage to an Australian national. The official added that she should leave the country as instructed and apply to re-enter in the normal manner.
Over 1000 Albany residents attended Jukka’s funeral, and the couple were highly regarded in the town. The Federal Government cannot respond as its cabinet has not yet been sworn in.
Heartbroken, she buried him on their wedding day and is now facing deportation from Australia.Jukka, 27 years old, died suddenly in his sleep, and was buried on 5 April, the day of the wedding. The tragedy was compounded by Australia’s immigration department with a letter to his devastated fiancée informing her she must leave the country by 6 December as she had lost her chance of becoming a resident.
Londoner Ellen left the UK in 2009 to backpack around Oz, and met the love of her life in Ongerup. The couple set up home in Albany, and Ellen severed her ties with the UK and made a new life with Jukka.
Until her temporary resident visa was issued in anticipation of their wedding, Ellen had always remained in the country legally as regards the immigration system. Her temporary visa expires on 6 December, and she must leave or face deportation.
She’s desperate to stay in Albany, saying she needs to be with Jukka’s family and friends, who loved him as much as she did. She adds that she still feels her life is in the town where they lived happily together.
Albany MLA Peter Watson, a friend of the couple, feels the tragedy deeply and hopes common sense will prevail. He’s planning to meet with Ellen and will take the matter to the Immigration Department.
According to an immigration official, it’s as the law stands, in that Ellen’s visa was dependent on her marriage to an Australian national. The official added that she should leave the country as instructed and apply to re-enter in the normal manner.
Over 1000 Albany residents attended Jukka’s funeral, and the couple were highly regarded in the town. The Federal Government cannot respond as its cabinet has not yet been sworn in.
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