The Daily Mail reported that Mart Soeson, a 48-year-old Estonian man, insisted that he was in a de facto marriage with Elfriede Riit, a 104-year-old Sydney woman, and asked to stay in Australia on this basis.
Riit passed away a few weeks ago and Soeson said he should stay in Sydney so he could visit Riit at the cemetery.
Soeson与Riit不仅相差56岁,后者还是Soeson祖父的遗孀(二婚)。
After Soeson's visa application was denied, he had to defend their relationship before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
According to Soeson, despite the large age gap and lack of sexual intimacy, the relationship between the two is emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually deep.
On April 13, Riit died of a fatal infection. Soeson, for his part, said he was by Riit's side until the last minute.
(Image source: Daily Mail)
Chief Judge David Walker of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal said that under the relevant law, Soeson could still apply for a spouse visa after Riit's death as a "guarantor". But to overturn the Home Office's refusal decision, Soeson would have to convince the judge that he would continue his de facto relationship with Riit if she were still alive. In addition, Soeson will need to demonstrate that he has developed close business, cultural and personal relationships during his time in Australia.
"If she hadn't died, our relationship would have continued," Soeson told Barker, "and I'd continue to be with her if she lived." ”
(Image source: Daily Mail)
Soeson, who is currently working as a painter, says he has strong ties to the Sydney Estonian community and has embraced Australian customs, such as celebrating Anzac Day.
"I have a job here, my home here. I gave up my life, career and relationships in Estonia to come to Australia to be with Elfriede. ”
"Elfriede is dead, but she is buried here. My grandfather is also buried here. I have a reason to stay here, I can go to the cemetery to visit my relatives. ”
At a hearing in February, Soeson admitted that he did not share a bedroom with Riit and had never had sex.
(Image source: Daily Mail)
According to Soeson, he and Riit entered into a de facto relationship in September 2018. He was 43 and Riit was 98. The couple lived in the Riit home until September 2022, when the latter moved into an aged care facility at the doctor's request.
Soeson visits the facility regularly to bring Riit her favourite foods, such as chocolates and berries.
One problem Soeson had with his visa application was that he sometimes referred to himself as Riit's grandson when dealing with government agencies.
At the end of Friday's hearing, the judge said a decision would be made on Soeson's visa application in the coming weeks.