Kumar Family
Letter to the Editor - Daily Liberal
23 March 2005
Dear Sir/Madam
Claims immigration department staff lied to the Kumar family are wrong (Family’s life in 'hellhole’, 23/3/05).
When visited by staff earlier this month, the family was informed that they had no further claims to remain in Australia.
The family has made various applications to remain in Australia, all of which were thoroughly assessed. They were not eligible for any substantive visa. They also had access to robust and independent appeals processes which affirmed the department’s decision.
The family was given the option of staying in the community on bridging visas, provided they make arrangements to depart.
The family refused this offer.
Mrs Kumar and her children were then given the option of staying in the community on bridging visas, and making arrangements to depart, while Mr Kumar was detained at Villawood.
The family refused this offer.
The family was then told that, by law, they must all be detained and they would be taken to Villawood Immigration Detention Centre.
The 'early-morning raid’ referred to in your article was in fact
an 8am meeting which had been pre-arranged with the family.
Kym Charlton
Acting Director
Public Affairs
DIMIA