A man from Northland who was allowed to settle his family in Australia six years ago, despite declaring a conviction, has been ordered to leave by the end of the month.
Photo: 123rf
William Rakete said it was unfair because he was mistakenly let in six years ago, despite declaring a 12-month prison sentence he was handed for giving false immigration advice in 2005.
He returned to Australia from his first holiday abroad early this year, once again declaring the conviction, but this time his visa was cancelled.
"It's totally unfair," he said.
"I am 54 years old now. My wife and I have been together for the last 27 years marriage, and it's like pulling us apart," he said.
A border protection officer wrote that the hardship Mr Rakete's wife and children faced outweighed the grounds for visa cancellation.
His appeal failed last week, however, so he must leave his home in Port Kennedy near Perth by the end of the month.
"I can't just uproot my family, the Australian immigration department are just breaking up our family," Mr Rakete said.
