The Australian government is refusing to grant tourist visas to some Venezuelans over fears they will breach the terms of their visas.
The move has angered many Venezuelan nationals, who say they are victims of discrimination.
Information-technology professional Gorman Coronel last saw his son Angel in their hometown of Caracas five years ago.
He says he had hoped he would finally be able to reunite with his son in Sydney, Mr Coronel's new home.
"My plan was just to bring him just for visiting and celebrate his birthday, which is coming up in three weeks, and, also, to get him to stay here and probably take him to the snow or something just so he can see it for the first time."
His son had planned to fly to Australia with Mr Coronel's aunt last week for a three-month holiday.
But, in July, Australia's Department of Immigration denied their visitor-visa applications.
Mr Coronel says Immigration was not satisfied the pair intended to return home, given the volatile political and economic situation in Venezuela.
"I'm still hurting, so ... And, obviously, hearing from his mum after that, that he wasn't sleeping, he's not eating. He wasn't eating, he wasn't sleeping, he was just crying all day. So, you know, it just breaks your heart."
The boy's grandmother, Evelyn Coronel, admits it was difficult to tell him his holiday plans had been put on hold.
"It was very difficult to tell him that, you know, 'Darling, you're not coming.' I found the right time to tell him, 'Darling, it will be impossible for you to come.' And he was just screaming, 'Why? Why? Why no coming? You promised me that I will come. I want to see my father. I want to see you.' And he was cranky even with us for a few days. He didn't want to talk to me for a few days."
Their situation is not uncommon.
Many Venezuelans have spoken out on social media about similar experiences in the past month.
And it is not just families feeling the impact.
A global health-insurance company, due to hold a convention in Sydney next month, now stands to lose thousands of dollars.
A group of 30 Venezuelan employees had their visas approved, but then had them cancelled 15 days later.
The Venezuelan health-insurance workers had won the chance to travel to Australia.
One of those prize-winners, Susana Ayala, (eye-YAH-luh) says she feels discriminated against.
"They cancelled it for being Venezuelan. It's discrimination. It's like there's a country deciding, as if it was God, whether I deserve to enjoy my prize or not."
Australia's immigration minister, Peter Dutton, says he cannot provide any advice on current Venezuelan visitor-visa applications.
"There may well be, in relation to individuals or specific circumstances, but ... I'm happy to have a look at individual cases, but I don't have any in-country advice."
Immigration consultant Dee Ahluwalia says there is little anyone can do about the Department of Immigration's position.
"It's a common practice to protect our ... you know, our own land. And that's not just Venezuela. It could be any country where there would be trouble. Yes, Australia would be very cautious, the Department of Immigration would be very cautious, issuing especially the tourist visas."
Gorman Coronel says he just hopes he will not have to wait another five years to see his son again.
"What I miss the most is seeing him grow up, you know, just all the day-to-day things, like learning stuff, teaching him stuff, stuff like that ... playing with him, that sort of thing."
