Stuck in the UK indefinitely

[Bumperdog]

I live in Australia and received a travel exemption to come and visit a family member who is ill. I was due to travel back to Oz on Thursday but have been told that my booking for the flight from Singapore to Sydney has been cancelled. The reason given was the cap imposed by the Australian government on the number of passengers allowed in. There are no flights available until next year, apparently. The flight I had a reservation on is still going but I have been bumped.

I have a job and family in Australia and I really need to go home. I also have a medical appointment at a cancer centre in an Australian hospital in late September to investigate some dubious blood test results.

What are my rights? Didn't we have a legal contract?

There's lots of info here as well as an email address to contact for advice

uk.embassy.gov.au/lhlh/covid_home.html

Thanks tintodeverano2, I have sent an email to the embassy. I am genuinely touched by how kind and helpful people are being, it's really nice of everyone.

Very sorry you are going through this.

As well as pushing the embassy there is likely an Aussies stranded abroad Facebook site or something so see if you can find that. But also reg with a temp GP here and get blood results sent over so you can get seen here if you need to. Hopefully there is a Aus/UK healthcare agreement.

I'm really sorry that this has happened to you. Is it ok if I say it sounds utterly crackers and quite inhumane of the australian government?

Honestly, they are being so unforgiving over these limits. You may need to go public on Twitter. You were granted leave to visit a during relative and now you cannot get home to receive much needed tests for cancer. As awful as it sounds, that's a story that people might take notice of and could help get the embassy to take it seriously.

It's shocking you can't get home- I didn't think any country could close border to citizens.
Googled and found this, if it helps:
www.smartraveller.gov.au/COVID-19/trying-get-home

I'm shocked too, I can't imagine being in your situation. What happens in terms of your rights in the UK? What if you were to run out of money? What if you need healthcare? Does your insurance extend for that period. What a mess I am soooo sorry for you and really hope it gets sorted asap.

I'm a British citizen and an Australian permanent resident. By some miracle I was able to book a repatriation flight for Saturday on Qantas. It goes to Hobart via Perth, which will be a horrendously long journey but I am just so pleased to be going home that I don't care. I feel immensely lucky to have been able to get on one as I know some people have been waiting for months.

I’m so pleased for you OP. How did you do it? I really hope all your tests are okay xx

I am glad you are getting home, OP. I overheard an older couple from NZ in a cafe the other day - they'd been stuck here for months with no prospect of getting home any time soon.

Thank you for your support, I received an email from DFAT this morning offering me the choice of 3 flights, one to Tasmania and two to Darwin and I took the first one. I am incredibly lucky and so thankful.

That’s great news.

I am doing a happy dance at the moment, maybe I should buy a lottery ticket?

Pleased for you OP. I've been gobsmacked at how the Australian government has treated its citizens during the pandemic.

I'm so pleased for you, it took my cousin 9 weeks to get back and he has primary aged children in Australia. He had to keep his bags packed the entire time ready to just go. I think he only got back because he was on his own, it's taking months for couples.

@Bumperdog

I am doing a happy dance at the moment, maybe I should buy a lottery ticket?

If you win don't forget us! 😉

That's excellent news! I know it will be a long journey but at least you will be home.