An Australian father is appealing to the country's Home Affairs Minister to intervene in a protracted visa battle that threatens to separate him from his six-year-old son, Thanasi Kuzeff. Thanasi, an Australian citizen born in Kenya, arrived in Australia with his father, Daniel Kuzeff, in 2024 and has since adapted to life in New South Wales, forming bonds with his stepmother and younger brother. His parents, who are no longer together, have spent four years attempting to secure a visa that would allow Thanasi to live in Australia while maintaining his mother's involvement in his life.
Thanasi's mother, Leah Wambui Sore, a Kenyan citizen, has faced numerous visa rejections. After more than a year separated from her son, she was granted a visitor visa in January, allowing her to reunite with Thanasi in Australia. However, this visa carries a "no further stay" condition, requiring her to depart by December 1. Ms. Sore had applied for a Subclass 143 Contributory Parent Visa, a pathway to permanent residency, but the current waitlist for this visa extends to 15 years.
Mr. Kuzeff expressed his distress, stating that they have exhausted all available options and face a potential "shattering" separation. Ms. Sore emphasized that her primary concern is Thanasi's well-being, wanting him to have a stable childhood with both parents involved, rather than being forced to choose between them. "I don't want him to have to choose between having his mum in one country and his dad and siblings in another," she said.
If Ms. Sore is forced to leave Australia, Thanasi, despite his Australian citizenship, is expected to return to Kenya with her. Mr. Kuzeff stated that separating Thanasi from his mother again is not an option, meaning the child would likely leave his home, school, friends, father, and siblings. Thanasi himself has expressed a desire to remain in Australia, recognizing the difference in life experiences compared to Kenya.
Ms. Sore was granted her current visitor visa after the Administrative Review Tribunal intervened and recommended a previously rejected application be reconsidered. Tribunal general member Michael Judd noted in an April 2025 ruling that these cases involve "real people" and should be handled with consideration. Without ministerial intervention, Ms. Sore's only current long-term visa option remains the lengthy Contributory Parent Visa.
Mr. Kuzeff highlighted the stress this situation has caused over the years and drew a parallel to a 2023 case where then-Home Affairs Minister Andrew Giles used public interest powers to grant permanent residency to an Italian national facing deportation and separation from his son. Mr. Kuzeff questioned why policies have not been implemented to prevent similar family separations.
A Department of Home Affairs spokesperson stated that individual cases are not commented on, but that Australia's migration system offers various visa options for family members. They added that applications are assessed on their merits against migration legislation and that decision-makers consider family unity and the interests of Australian citizen children. The department acknowledged that a child's citizenship does not automatically grant a parent permanent residency but noted that family visa pathways exist depending on circumstances.
An online petition supporting Ms. Sore's case has garnered over 400 signatures, arguing that Thanasi should not have to choose between his home and his mother's presence. The petition emphasizes the adults' cooperation to ensure Thanasi can maintain meaningful relationships with both parents and his siblings.