THE family of a North East woman who was detained by immigration officers after landing in Australia is “over the moon” after learning authorities have decided to allow her entry into the country.

Clare Henderson, from Billingham, had flown to Perth to visit her sons Michael and Martin and their families, who live in the Australian city.

The 64-year-old, who has not had a Covid vaccination after being advised against in on medical grounds, had an exemption approved when she applied for a visa last November.

However, when she landed in Perth she was threatened with deportation and was detained and questioned for hours, being told the law had changed since her documentation had been approved.

Read more: Teesside gran facing deportation from Australia just HOURS after landing

Today, the Northern Echo has learned the grandmother will be allowed to enter the country on Monday after a quarantine period.

She has been granted as 12-month visa and plans to stay until February next year.

Michael, 33, who is originally from Billingham but has been living in Australia for 13 years, said he was relieved and “over the moon” following the ordeal.

Mrs Henderson, who has not had the Covid vaccine due to a medical condition called temporal arteritis, is looking forward spending time with her family, including three-year-old granddaughter Florence.

The retired foster carer has not seen her in person since she was newborn due to the pandemic.

Michael, who learned of the situation after waiting at the airport for seven hours waiting for his mother to arrive, was campaigning outside the Holiday Inn where she was being held.

The Northern Echo:

He had described her treatment as "horrific" and said officals had treated her like a criminal. 

Australia has had strict border restrictions in place since the start of the pandemic, though these are now starting to ease.

Unvaccinated Australian citizens and permanent residents are now able to leave Australia without an individual travel exemption.

And people travelling to Australia no longer require a pre-departure Covid-19 test

International travellers arriving into Western Australia are subject to quarantine requirements, including seven days hotel quarantine for unvaccinated arrivals.

An Australian Border Force (ABF) spokesperson said: “Australia has strict border rules, including for unvaccinated travellers.

“The Australian Border Force ensures that people arriving at the border comply with our laws and entry requirements, and will continue to do so.

“To protect the privacy of individuals, we won’t discuss their personal circumstances.”

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