Thai Child to OZ Only One Parent

[PattayaPhom]

Friend with divorced Thai lady that has 7 year old chlld.

Has obtained visas for both mother and daughter to go to Oz

X husband is against this and wants the child to stay in Thailand. No custody agreements made on divorce.

Friend believes as been granted visas, no problem.

I was on the understanding that at the airport immigration if absent parent hasnt signed a consent form the child will be refused.

Can anyone confirm

Many Thanks in Advance

[Mario2008]

They can check and sometimes do if the other parent has given permission. Legally there is not much immigration can do, as both have equal rights and only a court order can deny the child leaving the country. Unofficially is another case, and airlines might be reluctant to take a passenger.

But the big question is why they travel to Australia. If it is with intend to stay and live there, going without permission of the father is going to be big problem. I believe Australia will want to see permission from the other parent for that. For tourism/short visit it should not be a big problem and they already have their visas.

[PattayaPhom]

Cheers for quick reply, is just tourist visa at present but later may want longer.

[Mario2008]

If the child and mother both have the same last name it will normally not be a problem. If they have two different last names checks are more common and I would recommend taking the birth certificate to show parenthood.

[PattayaPhom]

If the child and mother both have the same last name it will normally not be a problem. If they have two different last names checks are more common and I would recommend taking the birth certificate to show parenthood.

Daughter has Fathers surname, Mothers surname different to that on childs birth cert.

[Mario2008]

Then she will be checked for sure and should bring additional proof that she is the mother. (name change documents) Immigration has prevention of human trafficking high on the agenda and different names is one of the things that will alert them to do a further investigation.

[PattayaPhom]

I didnt explain clearly. Mothers name is on birth cert however as she didnt take her husbands surname when married and the child was registered with Fathers surname, thats why names are different. So as she has her ID card and passport mathching Mothers name on birth cert so ineffect proofing she is the Mother then all could be OK.

On a sidenote, apparently the Father has consulted a lawyer as no doubt is afraid of loosing his girl.

[Mario2008]

With those documents there should be no problem.

But if she wants to settle in Australia she will have a problem and must deal with the father first.

[PattayaPhom]

With those documents there should be no problem.

But if she wants to settle in Australia she will have a problem and must deal with the father first.

Thatsgood as they go in a few days .