Mrs Hu
Letter to the Editor - The Herald Sun
10 March 2005
Dear Sir/Madam
It is quite astounding that even at this point (Editorial, Red Tape v humanity 10 March) so many media outlets will not acknowledge the facts about the case involving Mrs Hu, the 104 year old Chinese woman.
At no stage was there ever a suggestion this woman would be removed from Australia.
Given she had overstayed her visa by more than five years there was no likelihood she would qualify for the visa she subsequently sought. So what did our officers do, they made every effort to ensure she could remain in Australia indefinitely and lawfully.
It was only at the insistence of the family that the visa application was finalised and refused – even though the family had been advised that approval was not likely.
It is a shame that you continue to ignore these facts.
Stewart Foster
Director
Public Affairs
DIMIA
Return to letters' Index Page