Help keep the Australian dream alive!

I am reaching out to everyone who understands our struggles as expats. Our friends, Maryke and Johan Treurnich, with their 3-year-old son, are currently going through every skilled migrants worst nightmare.

They arrived in Australia 2 years ago after living in the UAE for 9 years. Since COVID-19, it has been difficult for them. Making it through the loss of 2 parents and a high-risk pregnancy, they decided to give up everything to make a move to Australia after their son, Daniel, was born.

They settled so well in Sydney quickly embracing Aussie life. They have friends who are like family, have got two dogs, love their neighbourhood and bonded into their church. A few months to go before they were eligible to apply for Permanent Residency. Johan was informed that he was being made redundant and his last day would be 24 December. The liquidator also told him that any entitlements would only be paid out once the company's entire liquidation process was completed.

Their work visa expired on the 17th of January. Even though Johan did everything he could to find new employment with sponsorship, the time was not enough. Through loans, they could apply for a visitor visa to stay in Australia for longer. This is in the process, and they currently have a bridging visa. The problem is that as soon as the visitor's visa is issued, all working rights stop. Maryke can still earn some income currently, but unfortunately, this is limited, and not enough to keep afloat, and with that being cut off soon, things look dire.

Like so many others, this family wants the best for their son and gave up so much to be here; being out of South Africa for 11 years, they view Australia as their home. Johan is doing everything he can to get new employment. He consulted with immigration agents and is searching for work across Australia, leaving no stone unturned to find a way.

I am confident Johan will find a sponsor soon, but it takes time, and starting the process in December wasn’t ideal. Unfortunately, the cost of living in Sydney even with making significant sacrifices is very high. I know there are many who would want to help them and pay it forward.