Mr Chen, who is in Sydney, says he’s “extremely concerned” for the safety of his wife Amy, who is among the Australian citizens and permanent residents awaiting evacuation from Wuhan to Christmas Island.

He says his wife, who is an Australian permanent resident, received a notice from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) advising her to apply to join the second batch of people evacuated from Wuhan.

But it was in reading the prerequisites specified in the DFAT notice, that he realised that his wife may not qualify to travel due to her Chinese citizenship.

The DFAT notice, obtained by SBS Cantonese, specifies that there are “some restrictions imposed by Chinese authorities that may prevent you from travelling on the assisted departure flight”. Supplied

The notice follows by listing the requirements for travel, stating: “If you are a Chinese citizen, you must be an Australian permanent resident accompanying a direct family member who is an Australian citizen (i.e. husband, wife and child).”

Mr Chen says as his wife is travelling alone and without children, she may be restricted from evacuating. "We found that the Chinese authorities imposed travelling restrictions that stopped her from travelling on the assisted departure flight," he said.

SBS understands that Amy Chen has lodged her application to be evacuated, but is awaiting a response from DFAT. Read more Fears of face mask 'scams' as shortage forces Chinese-Australians to buy online

‘Win-win situation for China’

Mr Chen is calling on the Chinese government to “compromise” by allowing Australian permanent residents like his wife to leave the city - a move he says will assist local authorities.

"I don't quite understand why they do not allow Australian permanent residents to evacuate. I hope that the Chinese government will change the restrictions as soon as possible.

“Evacuation is a good thing to ease the burden of heavy load on the medical system in Wuhan, which is also a good thing for the safety of the people.

"I think this is a ‘win-win’ situation. I don't know on what basis the Chinese government considers not allowing permanent residents to leave alone.”

He says the “very serious” situation in Wuhan is making the dilemma over his wife’s travel even worse.

“I do not see any improvement, and I am increasingly worried about the safety of my wife and family.”

He emphasises that although Wuhan is a large city, the medical resources are becoming very limited due to the rising number of coronavirus cases.

"There are many infected people in Wuhan who are not admitted to the hospital and only stay at home.

“The situation is very hopeless. I think the actual number of infected people in Wuhan is more than 30,000. The epidemic is not very optimistic. I feel the outbreak won't end soon.” Read more 'Protect yourself and others': Chinese-Australians in self-imposed quarantine saved by selfless volunteers

Could giving up Chinese citizenship help?

Mr Chen says giving up Chinese citizenship could be a “final resort” for his wife to resolve her current problem, with a hope that the Australian government would step in.

He says that he, along with other Chinese nationals, would “struggle” to make such a decision.

"Frankly speaking, I would struggle. It is very, very difficult to decide. After all, my parents and all my family are still in China. If I really give up the Chinese citizenship, I have to consider the consequences.

"However, if this method is feasible, it may be considered at the last resort [for my wife], for example when the epidemic is extremely severe or when Australia dispatches the last charter flight to withdraw the stranded people." Read more Australian's arrest in Hong Kong highlights limits of consular help for dual nationals

In regard to questions forwarded about this case and whether Australia would consider making a formal request to China to ease it’s travel restrictions, a spokesperson from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade referred SBS Cantonese to advice provided by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Foreign Minister Marise Payne.

“The Australian government is working across agencies to assist the departure of isolated and vulnerable Australians from Wuhan and to put strict quarantine arrangements in place,” said the advice, highlighted by the DFAT spokesperson.

“Australian diplomatic and consular staff have been working very closely with the Chinese authorities and with other partner countries to develop options for the departure of Australians in Wuhan and Hubei Province, in what continues to be a difficult and complex situation. … Our focus and priority is on vulnerable and isolated citizens.”

SBS Cantonese has also contacted The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Australia regarding the case.