2015-12-23
The Greens urge the government to reconsider visa applications of a Pakistani family so that they are able to visit their dying relative for the last time.
Hassan Asif was studying architecture at Victoria University when he was diagnosed with a metastatic melanoma, which doctors now say is terminal.
The 25-year-old has no family support in Melbourne and is currently receiving palliative care in a youth refuge run by Melbourne City Mission. His brother and mother were refused visitor visas to Australia to spend time with him before dies.
“This is a heartless decision which has caused a family already in distress even more pain,” said Australian Greens Leader Richard Di Natale.
“Hassan is entering the terminal phase of his life and is unable to travel overseas, to deny him and his family the chance to reunite once more is cruel.”
“Especially at this time of year I would hope the government could find their heart and allow this visit to go ahead.”
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