After years of advocacy and uncertainty, 10-year-old Kayaan Katyal and his family have been granted permanent residency in Australia. Born in Melbourne at just 32 weeks with cerebral palsy, Kayaan has spent his entire life on a bridging visa—until now.
The news of their residency approval was met with joy and relief, especially for Kayaan’s parents, who have endured years of anxiety over their future in Australia. Their fight to stay garnered widespread community support, including strong backing from Tim Watts MP, who had championed their case for five years.
“This moment will stay with me forever,” Watts said.
“Kayaan’s parents never stopped fighting for their son, and today, that fight is over. Thanks to the incredible support from Melbourne’s west, Kayaan and his family can finally build a stable future in Australia.”
Kayaan’s case drew national attention, highlighting a little-known provision in Australia’s Migration Act that allows families to be deported if a child has a disability.
The Department of Home Affairs initially rejected the Katyal family’s application, citing an estimated cost of $1.23 million in healthcare and support services for Kayaan.
“This is the very definition of inhumanity,” Watts wrote in 2021 when he first appealed for intervention.
“Kayaan didn’t choose to be born with cerebral palsy. He has an Australian birth certificate, yet no rights in the country he calls home.”
Despite having lived, worked, and paid taxes in Australia for over a decade, Kayaan’s parents were faced with the devastating prospect of having to leave the only home their son has ever known.
The Katyal family’s struggle resonated deeply with advocacy groups and everyday Australians, sparking calls for reform in disability-related immigration policies.
The family’s perseverance, coupled with community support, ultimately led to their breakthrough moment. Over the weekend, Watts and fellow MP Joanne Ryan joined Kayaan’s family and supporters to celebrate not just his birthday, but also the long-overdue resolution of their case.
“Today, that fight is over. Thanks to the backing of our community in Melbourne’s west, Kayaan and his family have permanent residency.”
Kayaan’s case has reignited calls to amend Australia’s immigration policies, particularly the clauses that deem children with disabilities as financial burdens. Advocacy groups argue that the system should account for long-term contributions families can make, rather than focusing solely on projected costs.
For the Katyal family, this victory marks the beginning of a new chapter. “We came here for equality and a better future,” Kayaan’s father, Varun, said.
“Now, we can finally build that future without fear.”
As Kayaan settles into his new life with the security of permanent residency, his story stands as a testament to the power of persistence, community solidarity, and the belief that every child deserves a fair chance in Australia—regardless of ability.
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