Fed: Ruddock tells family: no special treatment

AAP General News (Australia)
04-05-2001
Fed: Ruddock tells family: no special treatment

Immigration Minister PHILIP RUDDOCK says a Pakistani man's decision to set himself
alight in protest against his family being denied visas will not help his case.

SHAHRAZ KAYANI, 48, doused himself in petrol and set himself alight on Monday in protest
at delays in his application to bring his wife and three children out to Australia.

One of Mr KAYANI'S daughters, ANUM, has cerebral palsy and the government has said
it will cost taxpayers $750,000 in care if she was allowed into the country.

But Mr KAYANI'S brother SHAHZAD has denied taxpayers will have to bear the burden of
her care, saying his Australian-based family can manage her disability with little or
no cost.

Mr RUDDOCK says the family's application is still being considered, but he says he's
told Mr KAYANI'S brother and sister his desperate actions will not help his case.

The minister says he won't change procedures because of an action taken by an individual

seeking a decision.

Mr RUDDOCK says his department will facilitate a temporary compassionate visit by one
of Mr KAYANI'S daughters and his father if it was proved to be a legitimate mercy dash.

AAP RTV jb/daw/sp/jtb




(EDS -- CORRECTING SPELLING OF SURNAME, ON UPDATED ADVICE)

KEYWORD: BURN RUDDOCK (CANBERRA)

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