Usual practice on visa

Letter to the Editor - The Sun-Herald
14 January 2007

Dear Sir/Madam

Although the Lai family have been granted bridging visas (Tomato growers win review of decision to kick them out, 7/01/07), it was not because the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) caved in, as you put it, to a “flood of support”.

When a client lodges a request for Ministerial intervention, it is standard practice for the department to ensure such people remain lawfully in the community while that request is considered.

Duly, when such a request was received from the Lai family, and as DIMA said would be the case all along, arrangements were made for them to remain in Australia lawfully while it is assessed.

Sandi Logan
National Communications Manager
Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs