Dad faces heartbreak of being separated from son after Aussies refuse him visa

Andrea Tindiani with his son Marley (Image: Facebook) An Italian father is facing a cruel separation from his son after being denied the right to extend his stay in Australia. Andrea Tindiani, 37, moved Down Under in 2012 on a working holiday visa, before gaining sponsorship from his employer the next year in Victoria. He then had a baby son with his partner Emily. The couple split in 2014 but remain on good terms. However, Mr Tindiana was made redundant in 2016 and has since then prolonged his stay in Australia using student visas. In 2021 he tried to apply for a Confirmatory Residence Visa, which would have allowed him to stay Down Under indefinitely. Andrea Tindiani moved to Australia in 2012 (Image: Facebook) Unfortunately for the Italian native, who has lived 11 years in Victoria, immigration authorities turned down his application. The 37-year-old could now be deported and deprived of the chance to see nine-year-old Marley grow up. In an emotional Facebook post on August 4th, he broke the bad news to friends and acquaintances. He wrote: “I am reaching out with a heavy heart, to let you know that last week the Tribunal has REFUSED to grant me a Confirmatory Residence visa. “Despite living here for 11 years, having supported thousands of Aussie Men on their transformation journey, being an incredibly committed father to my son Marley, a great ex-partner and a good member of my community.” Australian Minister of Immigration Andrew Giles (Image: Getty) The Bendigo local said there was one last hope for reprieve, after the Tribunal recommended the Minister of Immigration Andrew Giles to consider his case on strong compassionate grounds. The Italian said his son deserved to have his father by his side as he grows up and shmpiuld not have to endure the trauma of losing one parent. “I understand the profound importance of this, having grown up without a father myself,” he added. Mr Tindiana has been ever present in his son’s life, helping his mum bring him up on a daily basis. He has launched an online petition, which has already drawn in more than 14,000 signatures and raised over $6,000. “As a young boy I lacked a male role model,” he wrote in his petition. “As a mature adult I understand the negative impact it had on me and what it took to father myself. “I don’t want my son to unnecessarily experience similar hardship. I want to be here for him.”