Source: The Guardian

The immigration department has granted visas for the family of a young, terminally ill Pakistani student so they can visit him in Melbourne before he dies.

Despite the traumatic process, the young man “could not be happier” with the news, one of the people caring for him said.

The decision came to light just minutes after immigration minister Peter Dutton had backed his department’s earlier decision to deny the family visas.

In a media conference Dutton cited the “national interest” and the cost of visa overstayers when defending the refusal, but said it was “likely” the family would be allowed to visit if they lodged a new application.

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.

Asif’s brother and mother were both denied visitor visas by the immigration department, and Asif is too sick to travel.

Addressing media on Wednesday afternoon, Dutton said the decision of his department to deny the family visas was “appropriate” but said he had asked for more information from the mother and brother, and requested that they lodge another application.

“The decision maker has to weigh up whether or not somebody coming to our country is likely to make a claim for protection or stay in Australia otherwise, and in some cases that can result in millions of dollars of expense to the taxpayer,” said Dutton.

“It may mean that somebody is here on welfare for an extended period of time, so the consideration has to be in the national interest. There are many issues and this young man is in a terrible circumstance and the decision-maker has to weigh up not only the personal circumstances but also what is in the national interest.”

Dutton noted the diplomatic post in Islamabad would be closed for about six days over Christmas, but he still hoped the matter would be resolved quickly.

“But I think with further information and a subsequent application I think that can be dealt with fairly quickly and hopefully the mother and brother can come to Australia sooner rather than later.”

Moments after the press conference ended, Sky News tweeted that visas had been granted, citing an interview with Dutton.

“I’d asked the post in Islamabad to have a look at the case and ask for additional information,” Dutton told Sky News.

“That’s happened and the visas have been issued. So I’m hopeful they can arrive in Australia soon and spend time with their terminally ill son and brother, and I think that’s what most Australians would expect.”

When contacted the department of immigration said there had been “some developments”, but was then unable to confirm the new decision and referred Guardian Australia to the minister’s office.

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