Roaming Brit
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From a new life in spain, to an old life in britain, 'roaming brit' documents uncertain times!

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On 31st January 2016, my partner and I left Southampton to start a new life as Expats in Gran Alacant, on the Costa Blanca. This blog will document our journey, as we navigate the Spanish system, travelling a path untried and untested. With Brexit looming, political turmoil in Europe and an unpredictable future, harsh decisions have to be made. Illness, family bonds and a Change of heart all make for challenging times in a life of a 'Roaming Brit!'

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Exemption To Travel — Returning Home!

4/8/2021

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Today has been one of those good days; the sun in shining outside and Darrell was finally given permission to leave Australia. He has been resident in Perth, WA, for the duration of the pandemic, looking after Mum, as she battles cancer. It has been nearly two years since I last saw him and both of us were apprehensive, about whether he would even be given permission to leave Australia in the first place.

I have read much about the trials and tribulations of couples, parents, and grandparents in similar positions to us, over the last eighteen months. Many families have had to observe from afar, as relatives reached important milestones in their lives, on the other side of the World or sadly passed away without those closest by their side. It has been heartbreaking to read the terrible circumstances that surround each story, making me realise the importance of family life. Today I appreciate the people I live and work with and more importantly, recognise just how divisive and wrong Australia's policy of separating families is.

Watching the news last night, I was able to see the first relatives reunited from America and Europe. As the first flights of fully vaccinated passengers arrived in the UK, there would be no need for quarantining. Similar emotional scenes were being played out across the country, as relatives hugged each other for the first time in nearly two years.

Darrell only applied for the 'Exemption to Travel' yesterday, so it was a shock for both of us, that he was given permission to leave Australia less than 24 hours later. This was the best news both of us could have expected, and he has now been given permission to relocate to the UK within the next three months. Of course, there is much to do over the next few weeks. Darrell has arranged a suitable care package for Mum and has a series of appointments to attend, ensuring she is well enough to be left. Darrell had to sign a statutory declaration, stating he will not return to Australia for at least three months. Being denied entry during this period, even if his Mother's health deteriorates, is a huge burden to carry. He will have to be sure, in his own mind, that Mum will be well looked after and medically fit, while he remains out of the country!

Despite the now favourable circumstances, we still have many hurdles to cross. Neither of us are happy that Darrell is having to fly during a pandemic, and he is taking ever precaution to ensure a safe flight home. In order to keep within the terms of his Indefinite Leave to Remain visa, he has no option but to return to the UK by November. There are very few flights leaving for Europe at the moment, consequently there is restricted choice. There will be no cheap flights to choose from, and just limited options, avoiding the worst pandemic ridden countries, travelling only through those on the green or amber lists. Even though Darrell has been double jabbed, his vaccines have not been recognised by the British Government. We hope this will change soon, and he will be allowed straight  through immigration, without the need for quarantining. It is of course important that he doesn't fly through any red list countries, and he has enough protective clothing to keep himself safe during the flight.

After nearly two years of waiting, writing to MP's, speaking to The Home Office and legal representatives, it really does feel like we are on the home straight. The worrying and stress doesn't end now, far from it, it has only just begun. So much can still go wrong; booking flights isn't easy any more, cancellations are commonplace, and prices are volatile. Knowing some people have been charged thousands of dollars to return, just makes the anxiety even worse. There is also Mum to consider; she has started a different treatment plan and stopped chemotherapy, and it looks likely she will require a biopsy at the beginning of September; providing all the results are positive, Darrell should be on his way soon after.

For now, it's a huge sigh of relief and a period of positive thinking, as we plan for Darrell's return. We both have far more support than we could have ever wished for, so with a strong network of friends and family, all being well, we should finally see each other again in just over a month. This is the start of yet another new life together, this time back home in Portsmouth. Yes, we both look forward to the challenges ahead, because you can bet your bottom dollar, there will be plenty of them, as there always have been!

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    51-year-old Author and professional blogger. Expat formerly living in Gran Alacant on the Costa Blanca! Currently, residing in my adopted home of Perth, Western Australia.

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  • Blog
  • The Story Of Us
  • Other Blogs
    • Forever Enduring Cycles Blog 2015 >
      • Forever Enduring Cycles
      • Bipolarcoaster
      • Books For Sale
  • Gallery
  • Spain
    • First Month
    • Three Months
    • Six Months
    • One Year
    • 2 Year Anniversary
    • Spanish Views
    • Gran Alacant >
      • GA Advertiser
      • Gran Alacant News
      • LoungeD
      • No Wives Club
  • About
    • New Life
    • Wedding
    • 21 Years
    • Timeline
    • My Story
    • Australia 2016/17
  • Guest Bloggers
    • Penelope Wren
    • Debra Rufini
    • Claire Coe
    • Richard Guy
    • Optimistic Mummy
    • Julie Rawlinson
    • Letters Of Hope
  • Links
  • Contact
  • My Writing
    • Short Stories From My Youth
    • Verruca Almond
    • The Streets