A COUPLE'S dream of living happily ever after has been shattered by immigration officers ordering the husband to return to Australia.
Newlyweds Gavin and Sarah Clark finally found love after each being single for 20 years.
But now, they face the prospect of living 10,000 miles apart, despite their three-year romance culminating in their dream wedding last year.
The UK Border Agency has told the couple they do not meet new criteria for Gavin, originally from Adelaide, to remain in the country and he must return to Australia by next Wednesday or face a ten-year ban from Britain.
Gavin, 59, said: "I feel suicidal about not being able to live with my wife.
"I have gained a wonderful new family. Our first grandson is due in September and I may not even get to meet him."
Although a painter and a qualified chef who is willing to work, Gavin came to the country on a holiday visa, which meant he could not work or claim benefits.
He applied to remain as a spouse in Britain seven months ago but his application was refused.
Under new immigration rules, Sarah must earn more than £18,500 to support her husband, or Gavin must have £70,000 in savings
Gavin's holiday visa ran out in November last year and he was delayed in applying for a new one due to funding and legal issues.
As a result, his application is now considered under a new ruling, taking into account Sarah's income.
Despite working for Tesco supermarket, six days a week in Withernsea, Sarah does not earn enough for Gavin to stay in the country.
Gavin said: "I want to stay in this country and I want to work. I can try my hand at anything.
"When I lived in Australia, I worked as a painting contractor for schools.
"I am also a qualified chef.
"I have used all my savings to come to England, I have nothing for me in Australia. I feel like I would be destitute if I went back."
Gavin and Sarah appealed against the Home Office's decision but, again, were unsuccessful.
Sarah said: "The Border Agency have said there's no reason why I can't go and live in Australia but I can't leave my family.
"We have our home here and we want to see our grandchild grow up."
Gavin now has until Wednesday to contact the local enforcement office to arrange a date for him to leave Britain.
The couple are faced with two options.
Either Gavin voluntarily returns to Australia, in which case he can try for another visa in six months time, or he will be forced to move back by the immigration agency and banned from coming back to Britain for ten years.
MP Graham Stuart has now taken up their case but faces a race against time before Gavin is deported.
The MP said: "After contacting the Home Office to clarify Gavin's situation, my advice to him is to leave on the date agreed by him and the enforcement office and make a new visa appeal from Australia."
Gavin said: "I might be dead in ten years' time, you never know.
"I am being forced out of this country and away from my wife because of some stupid bureaucracy."
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