Weeks of separation caused by border delays have finally seen a happy ending for a Ballarat couple

Even a lengthy separation brought about entirely by the COVID-19 border shutdowns has tried to play the part of keeping the newlywed couple apart, but finally after weeks of separation, they are back together in Ballarat.

Sam and Miki met in Ballarat when Miki was in Australia and immediately knew they were meant for one another.

"I was offered a job in Ballarat and came to Ballarat for a year, and then I moved to Melbourne for a year," Miki said.

"Sam is from Ballarat and he came over to Tokyo for a working holiday and we got married in December.

"We were planning to move back to Australia when the pandemic started and all the international borders closed."

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Border closures from Japan occurred on March 20 when Australia banned travellers from most countries in the world. Japan would close its borders to travellers on April 1.

Unsure of Miki's visa eligibility as they were only a newly wed couple, the pair were quickly on the phone to foreign affairs attempting to see her be able to return when Sam came home.

"It all changed so quickly and at that time we didn't have much information," she said.

"Even though I was married, I didn't have the VISA and a travelling VISA was not available at the time, that usually takes about three to four weeks"

With more and more flights being cancelled, Sam had no choice but to return home, while Miki had to wait in Japan for a spousal visa to be granted.

"We finally got one and then when I got to Australia I had to quarantine in Sydney for another two weeks," she said.

"I was quite scared and worried, I wasn't sure what was happening."

Finally after a trying two months, the couple have been reunited in Ballarat.

"We've now applied for a partners visa, but that can take up to two or three years to come through," she said.

"Right now, I'm glad to finally be here and finally we are able to start a new life."

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