Maldives requests Australia to issue visa for Kaybaan

Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid, on Wednesday, requested the Australian government to issue a visa to Kayban Jamshaad on humanitarian grounds.

The two-year-old Maldivian boy was born in Australia with severe health complications and is undergoing medical care in the country.

Minister Shahid discussed the matter with Deputy Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Richard Maude during the latter's visit to Maldives.

During the meeting, the Foreign Minister made mention of his letter to Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne and President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's letter to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison concerning Kaybaan's case.

The toddler requires 24/7 medical care to manage visual impairment, seizure disorder, developmental delays and spastic quadriplegia - paralysis of all four limbs - stemming from his brain injury, and weekly medication for his haemophilia.

Australian media ABC reported that “under Australia's immigration laws, applicants can be rejected if they have any condition which could result in significant healthcare costs or prejudice the access of Australian citizens and residents to health services".

Australia’s Department of Home Affairs barred Kayban's visa and citizenship under the aforementioned regulations, expressing doubt that the family was capable of covering annual health costs of an estimated USD 59,000.

However, according to ABC, the family covered the cost for almost three years till date, without any access to public health support.

Moreover, medical specialists asserted that Maldives was not equipped to manage Kayban’s complex health needs.

ABC stated that his rehabilitation physician wrote a letter to the department warning that forcing Kayban back to Maldives would result in premature death. However, the department dismissed the warning and ruled that “there was not enough documentary evidence, or ‘compelling’ and ‘compassionate’ circumstances, to grant Kayban a health waiver that would allow him to stay”.

A petition under the name 'Save Kayban' was launched in response to fears of his deportation and has amassed 30,000 signatures till date.

While Kayban was not granted a visa, his family attained the permit. His mother is employed as a social worker in Australia.

The case to appeal the department's ruling on Kayban’s visa status is being appealed at Australia’s Administrative Appeal Tribunal. However, ABC reported that the legal process could take months.