There’s nothing funny about this one. There’ll be no wise-cracking, no sneaky asides, nothing but an all-consuming confusion at the bureaucratic processes of Australia’s immigration system and a deep sadness for Hassan Asif and his family.
ABC reports the story like this: In 2014, Hassan leaves his home and family in Pakistan to study architecture in Australia. Then, he’s diagnosed with cancer. Oncologists tell the 25-year-old the cancer is very aggressive, and he has only weeks to live. His treatment ends in July.
His mother and brother begin preparations to stay with Hassan in Australia as he prepares for whatever comes next. Of course, his family apply for visas. They’re subsequently denied.
That brings us up to speed. The Department of Immigration and Border Protection have knocked back requests to review the applications; they’ve told the family they’re free to re-apply, though. For whatever comfort that process will bring.
The reasoning? Well, the Department is worried about his family overstaying their visa and possibly claiming asylum in Australia, saying “the likelihood of an applicant overstaying or seeking to remain permanently in Australia is also a matter that must be assessed… In this case all of the facts have been taken into consideration and the decision maker has not issued the visa.”
His family say they’re not coming here for a new home, with Hassan’s brother Rameez saying “we have our home, family and relatives here in Pakistan and the only reason why we want to enter Australia is to be with Hassan again.”
Previously, his oncologists had petitioned the Department, along with palliative carers at Melbourne City Mission, who called on Peter Dutton personally to take a stand. They say, quite rightly, it’s “unconscionable that this young man – who has family – be allowed to die without a loved one by his side.”
As of yet, no word from Dutton; the Mission have set up a funding campaign to assist with Hassan’s care, though.
There is no happy end to this story, but there’s gotta be something better than this. There has to be.
