Haneef visa decision will not be appealed
Wednesday, 16 January 2008
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, announced today he will not proceed with an appeal to the High Court in the case of Dr Mohamed Haneef's visa.
Senator Evans said that in light of advice from the Solicitor-General he had decided not to appeal.
'However, I have sought advice from my department on the ramifications of the Full Federal Court decision for the operation of the character provisions of the Migration Act,' Senator Evans said.
'Upon receipt of that advice, I will consider the need for any legislative amendment.'
Dr Haneef's visa was initially cancelled by the previous minister last year on character grounds.
His visa was restored on 21 December, 2007 when the Full Federal Court dismissed an appeal against Justice Spender's decision to set aside the former minister's decision to cancel Dr Haneef's visa.
The Full Federal Court decision means Dr Haneef will be able to return to Australia to work under the conditions of his current 457 Temporary Long Stay visa should he wish to do so.
'Should any further relevant information come to light in relation to Dr Haneef, it will be open to me to re-examine the situation at that time,' Senator Evans said.
URL: http://www.minister.immi.gov.au
/media/media-releases/2008/ce08006.htm
Last update: 13 August 2008 at 17:14 AEST