A Dying Man’s Last Wish

A Pakistani student, Hassan Asif, who came to Australia to study architecture, was diagnosed with terminal skin cancer in July 2015 while he studying in the country. He had been receiving outreach palliative care right after the diagnosis. As his condition deteriorated, he was transferred to a specialist medical institution for intensive care. The doctors declared that he was in no condition to go back all the way to Pakistan to his family, although he had planned to go back to his home country someday and work as an architect.

Because he knew he was dying, and that he could not go back home, he made an appeal to the Department of Immigration and Border Protection to allow his brother and mother to travel to Australia, so he could be with them as he dies.

In an emotional appeal, he requested that like anyone who has limited days left in the world, he would also want to spend this time with his family as his mother desperately wants to be with him during this time.

He also said that he does not have a network or any friends in the country because before being diagnosed, he was completely focused on studies and work.

Visa Issues

The Australian High Commission in Islamabad initially denied granting visit visas to Asif’s mother and brother saying that there were not absolutely sure that they will return back to Pakistan.

While this decision was upsetting, and Asif’s family lost hope of seeing him one last time before he dies, Asif’s lawyer filed fresh Visa applications for his family with supporting documents in hope that the immigration department will reconsider their decision and allow them to come to Australia in accordance to Asif’s wishes.

Medical Oncology registrar, Dr. Kortyne Morris, wrote in a letter that  having his family around him would be beneficial for Asif who had been socially isolated throughout his treatment. And that he should be with his family during this difficult period.

One of the reasons the Immigration Department gave its refusal to grant visas to Asif’s family was that they did not have enough money to stay in the country for 3 months which wasn’t valid as the Melbourne City Mission refuge, where Asif was being treated, had committed to pay all costs of bringing the family to Australia.

They also put up a page titled “Hassan’s Last Wish” that had links and phone numbers to make appeal to the immigration office to review the decision.

A Better Ending

As the public protest overseas and in Australia caught fire, the Melbourne government allowed Asif’s mother and brother to again  apply for visas after which they were approved.

The family reached Australian lands a few days before Hassan passed away and said it was a dream come true to be with him again as they had initially lost hope when they were denied of visas. His family also thanked the government for allowing them to come to Australia and for taking care of Hassan and providing him with the best possible medical treatment.