Federal Labor has called on Immigration Minister Scott Morrison to reconsider a decision to deny a Somali woman a short-term visa that would allow her to undergo surgery for gunshot wounds.
Ayaan Mohamed, 25, had her face shattered by a bullet as her family tried to flee violence in Somalia’s brutal civil war. She was two years old at the time.
Because the complicated facial reconstruction surgery she requires is not available in her homeland, Brisbane’s Wesley Hospital and Rotary had offered to bring her to Australia.
Ayann’s supporters have previously taken to YouTube to call for donations for the surgical proceedure.
The Australian government refused to grant Ayaan a short-term medical visa in March, under the former Labor government.
She made a second visa application in October but it is yet to be determined.
Opposition immigration spokesman Richard Marles said the Australian identity was one characterised by compassion.
“Mr Morrison, this decision makes no sense,” he said.
“It appears profoundly unfair and needs to be reconsidered.”
Source: SBS
