Mum facing cruel choice of leaving disabled daughter or taking her home to die

28 May 2023 , 08:14

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Kamisha and her daughter Sabiana (Image: 9 News)

A mother facing cruel deportation from Australia faces an impossible decision on whether or not to leave her disabled daughter behind.

Kamisha Gobdurdhun moved to Australia in 2008 from the East African island nation of Mauritius and her daughter Sabiana was born a year later.

The 13-year-old was born with a rare genetic condition called Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, which causes severe developmental delay. She can only speak about 15 words.

Kamisha moved to Australia on a student visa 15 years ago and when her renewal was rejected in 2018, she was granted ministerial intervention, with a medical treatment visa that expired last month.

Sabiana, now aged 13, was born with a rare genetic condition called Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome (9 News)

The Mauritian national unknowingly missed her chance to transfer to a permanent visa, before her daughter became an Australian citizen.

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She is now seeking another visa but fears it won't be granted and she may be deported next month.

The single mum now faces the prospect of having to either leave her disabled daughter in Australia so she can continue getting the healthcare she needs, or take her back to Mauritius which would risk the 13-year-old's life.‌

Kamisha told 9NEWS: "I know the difference between the medical treatment here and what we can get back home. Honestly if you say to me take Sabiana back home, it would be like someone saying to me OK, take her and let her die and I can't do that."

When Sabiana was born, doctors said she would not live past two. Kamisha says she owes her life to the Australian government and, everyone who "has fought so hard for her to still be alive today."

Kamisha Gobdurdhun moved to Australia in 2008 from the East African island nation of Mauritius (9 News)

Sabiana has been told she cannot get on a plane and she needs assistance with almost everything, from having a shower to feeding to walking to getting dressed.

Immigration Lawyer Adam Byrnes said only the Immigration Minister can and there are "unique and exceptional circumstances in this case."

‌The Sydney mother said she tried every avenue before contacting the press to try to raise awareness of her case.

"The Minister [is] the only one here who has the power to do something here and I really expect him to do something and be fair", she said.

She continued: "I am still going to be working, I'm still going to be paying my taxes, I'm still going to respect Australian values and contribute where I can."

Rachel Hagan