Bring Cath Home!

My friend Cath has been living in Canada for two years on a work visa but in March, she lost her job due to COVID-19. She applied to Employment Insurance immediately but her work visa ended only months later, subsequently ending her EI. Cath applied for an extension on her visa to continue receiving benefits but she was denied. She has since had to repay the $2000 EI loan.

Cath has been struggling to book flights back home for several months due to Qatar Airways prioritising Business Class passengers over Economy. In June, Cath was involved in a bicycle accident requiring medical attention. She emailed Qatar her medical forms and details of her injuries, pleading for a ticket back home where her injuries could be addressed properly. Still, she was declined a seat as she had booked an Economy ticket.

Cath has no choice but to upgrade to Business Class, a whopping $10k upgrade, with the hopes this will be her ticket home and the last of her troubles. This upgrade will ensure a more secure flight home due to Sydney International Airport’s 350 passengers per day cap, which has been impossible to get home with her economy class ticket.

Due to numerous cancellations, Qatar has jeopardised Cath’s current living situation as she has no means to pay for food, housing, or bills. Qatar Airways is attempting to push her flight to the end of October.  Like thousands of Australians, Cath wants to be with her family, her friends, and her home. She is hoping to get home in time to start her degree in Social Science. Donations will go towards her flight and any other costs that arise while she tries to return home.