EEA4 Application: What to do if need to travel overseas?

[sydneygirl]

Can anyone advise what to do once you have submitted your application but you need to travel overseas? We need to go to Australia for 5 weeks to see family and our application (on my husbands behalf, I am an EEA National) was only lodged about a month ago. The form says that you can request your passports back to travel but I don't know what to do about re-entering the country?

We asked someone at the Home Office about it and they said they didn't know - that my husband wouldn't be guaranteed re-entry to the country and perhaps he should apply for a work permit to ensure he will be able to get back into the country. That doesn't sound right given whilst your application is being processed your right to remain continues - so surely there should be a way of proving this? Any advice, experiences or help on this matter would be appreciated.

Thanks

SM