Dying Pakistani student’s family granted Australia visas

The Australian Department of Immigration on Wednesday granted visas to family members of a terminally ill Pakistani national in Australia so they can visit him in Melbourne before he dies.

Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said the mother and brother of Hassan Asif would be granted visas to Australia.

Sky News reported the minister for border protection and immigration, Peter Dutton, indicated to them that this was the case.

“I’ve asked for further information to be provided and I think on the basis of that information it’s likely that the mother and brother can travel to see their son, their brother here in Australia”, Dutton said earlier Wednesday, according to Sydney Morning Herald.

“The likelihood of an applicant overstaying or seeking to remain permanently in Australia is also a matter that must be assessed”.

Hassan Asif, 25, has just weeks to live, after a diagnosis of metastatic melanoma in April, and is being cared for by a charity for the homeless.

The mission also said it would assist Mr Asif’s mother and brother financially on their trip to Australia, countering the department’s claim they lacked the funding to survive a three-month stay.

Before he dies, the 24-year-old student petitioned Immigration Minister Peter Dutton to intervene and allow the partial family reunion. It urged Asif’s family to reapply.

The centre’s director, Sheridan Bruinhout, told the BBC Mr Asif was due to graduate from university next year, but gave up his studies after undergoing chemotherapy.

However the Melbourne City Mission Refuge, where Mr Asif is now in care, said they have already committed to pay all the costs associated with bringing his family to Australia.

The immigration department said in a statement that the family’s current application would not be reviewed.

“In this case, all of the facts have been taken into consideration and the decision maker has not issued the visa”, the spokesman said. “My mum is very sad – she cries a lot and just wants to be here with me during this time”.

“When deciding if an applicant intends a genuine temporary stay in Australia, the decision maker must take into account relevant considerations such as the applicant’s personal circumstances, incentive to return home, financial situation and ability to support themselves while in Australia”.

The dying patient hopes only to spend time with his mother and brother and knock some things off his bucket list, such as attending a Twenty20 cricket match.