# Family Separated After Australian Border Force Visa Cancellation A mother faces a high-risk pregnancy alone after her husband's sudden deportation. - **Source:** [Canberra Times](https://www.canberratimes.com.au) - **Published:** 2026-11-07 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/aec06757-821f-44be-86ce-2498476842df ## Sudden Border Force Intervention In May 2026, Peniasi Kuruivitu was detained by the Australian Border Force in Canberra while his wife, Sharon, was twenty weeks pregnant. Authorities cancelled his visitor visa, citing issues regarding his employment status in Fiji. He was subsequently handcuffed and transported under armed guard to Sydney before being deported to Fiji. ## Disputed Employment Declaration The visa cancellation stemmed from a single word response during questioning. When asked if he was currently employed, Peniasi answered no, interpreting the question literally as he was physically in Australia. Sharon claims border officials never contacted his Fijian employers to verify his work status, despite his clear intent to return. ## Language Barrier Challenges During the interrogation, Peniasi reportedly struggled with the English language, which is not his first language. Although he initially declined an interpreter, he later informed officers that he was struggling to process the questions. Sharon asserts that these communication difficulties directly contributed to the misunderstanding that led to his visa's immediate cancellation. ## High-Risk Pregnancy Struggles Sharon Kuruivitu managed a high-risk pregnancy and the birth of their daughter, Coral, without her husband's presence. She faced significant physical and emotional strain, including managing her older daughter's insulin pump needs during the night. She described the experience as devastating, particularly missing the ultrasound appointment where they were to learn the gender. ## Denied Re-entry Requests Following the deportation, Sharon sought a visa for her husband to support her through the birth and postpartum period. Despite providing letters from hospital doctors and a social worker detailing the medical necessity, the request was refused. Peniasi was issued a three-year exclusion period, preventing him from entering Australia to meet his daughter. ## Impact on Family Unit Coral is now eight weeks old and has only interacted with her father through video calls. Sharon notes that her older children, who had formed a close bond with Peniasi, are also suffering from his absence. The family feels punished by a system that they believe failed to consider their human circumstances. ## Departmental Stance on Privacy The Department of Home Affairs declined to comment on the specifics of the case, citing privacy regulations. A spokesperson stated that non-citizens must meet all requirements of Australian migration laws and that every visa application is assessed individually. The department did not address claims regarding the interpreter or the verification of employment. ## Future Legal Uncertainties The family is now considering an offshore partner visa, a process that could take over two years to resolve. Legal and application fees are estimated to reach twenty thousand dollars, placing immense financial pressure on the household. Sharon continues to navigate life as a single parent while awaiting a potential path for reunification. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/9386958/border-force-detained-this-canberra-father-peniasi-kuruivitu/?src=rss — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._