Rory and Michelle have been in Australia for 12 years... but they've been told to leave because of a visa error they say is not their fault

Published: 05:12, 5 August 2026 | Updated: 05:12, 5 August 2026 A South African couple have been forced to leave over a visa mix-up, separating them from their two sons and granddaughter.  Rory and Michelle moved to Australia 12 years ago and settled in regional Queensland, but were told to pack their bags after the Department of Home Affairs deemed them to have been unlawfully in Australia for nine days in 2023.  'We got the phone call and they said, 'Well, you'd been unlawful for nine days back in 2023",' Michelle told A Current Affair. 'I was sort of taken aback, and I said, "I'm sorry?"' Michelle claimed the government agency caused the issue as it took an extra nine days to process their visa renewal paperwork, ending their hopes of continuing the life they had built in the country.  'I've got the emails to prove that we weren't at fault during that time,' she said.  'It was purely their processing time.'  Despite submitting their paperwork on time and doing everything right by the book, Michelle said she was frustrated with the situation.  A South African couple have been forced to leave over a visa mix-up, separating them from their two sons and granddaughter 'We’ve given Australia all we have over the last 12 years,' Michelle said. 'We’ve always been conscious of paying our taxes and being employed and making sure our boys are always doing the right thing and working.' 'The crazy thing is we feel like we've done everything,' Rory added. 'There are a lot of hoops — and that's fair enough.  'Immigration is a sensitive thing, but we've done everything right.'  Although the pair have until October to leave under their bridging visa, Rory said they would depart next week after months of appealing left them without an income. 'The boxes are packed and we've got to make a decision,' he said. 'We can't afford to be here without being able to work.' Rory and Michelle moved to Australia 12 years ago and settled in regional Queensland , but were told to pack their bags after the Department of Home Affairs deemed them to have been unlawfully in Australia for nine days in 2023 The couple are still waiting for the decision on their appeal, but being unsuccessful would result in them being barred from the country for at least three years.   Rory previously worked as a riot squad police officer in South Africa before arriving in Australia on a skilled work visa. 'It was clean ... sleeping with no burglar bars, no walls, no electric fences,' he said.  'I fell in love from day one,' he said. The couple then found work in regional Queensland, helping fill skills shortages.  A Department of Home Affairs spokesman told the program it couldn't comment on individual cases for privacy reasons.  'All applicants lodging a visa decision review are encouraged to do so at the earliest opportunity, including to maintain lawful status,' he said.  'The Department is unable to grant a Judicial Review BVA until it receives confirmation from the Federal Court that a judicial review application has been made.'  Daily Mail has contacted the Department of Home Affairs for further comment.