A GLEN Waverley family who were facing deportation have won the right to stay in Australia after the Federal Government intervened in their case.

The Lee family, who lost $100,000 in a migration scam and have lived in Melbourne for nine years, were resigned to returning to South Korea on September 28.

FAMILY’S LAST-DITCH PLEA REJECTED

DRAMATIC TWIST IN DEPORTATION CASE

But they had their case reconsidered by Assistant Immigration Minister Alex Hawke after he met Bruce federal Labor MP Julian Hill yesterday.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Immigration and Border Protection said the Assistant Minister had intervened in the Lee case today, granting all members of the family permanent visas.

Daniel Lee said his family was overwhelmed with joy by the news.

“We’re so happy, we can’t believe it,” Mr Lee said.

media_camera The Lee family felt “overwhelming joy” at news of today’s U-turn. Picture: David Crosling

media_camera David and Richard Lee celebrate the news. Picture: David Crosling





“My family and I want to thank the Monash Leader, Julian Hill MP, St Christopher’s Parish in Syndal, Alex Hawke, Peter Dutton, the Korean community and everyone who has backed our change.org campaign,” he said.

The Lee family, who migrated to Melbourne from South Korea in 2008 to start a business, had been facing deportation on September 28 after a Department of Immigration ruling.

Last month, the Monash Leader revealed the family’s desperate plight after they were scammed $100,000 by a migration agent and misadvised by a lawyer who was assisting them at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

The agent, hired by David Lee, fled the country with the money and a visa extension bid involving the Administrative Appeals Tribunal failed.

Mr Lee, 53, who runs a cleaning business, his wife Jessica, 51, and their sons, Daniel, now 23, Brian, 21, and Richard, 11, were “heartbroken” to have to leave.

Mr Hawke agreed to meet Mr Hill yesterday and decided to personally review the case.

media_camera All five family members have been granted permanent visas. Picture: David Crosling

Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne, Denis Hart, also lobbied the Turnbull Government.

It is understood the strong support from the community and character reference was critical in the reversal of the decision.

The family said they were also ill-advised by a lawyer assisting them at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

David Lee had argued he had gone through the correct process.

His eldest sons are both studying science at university.

Brian, who studies at Melbourne University, said the family had tried “everything to stay in the country we love.”

Father Pat Jackson, from St Christopher’s Church, said he and his congregation were relief that their prayers for an “11th hour intervention from the Lord” had been answer.

“They are a wonderful family and valued members of our community,” Father Pat said.

“It is a wonderful result and we thank the minister for listening to us.”

Mr Hill thanked Minister Hawke for intervening.

“I called the Lee family to let them know, and it was a very emotional call,” he said.

“It’s a privilege to speak up for our diverse community, and I’m so pleased at this result.”