BRISBANE - Indian doctor Mohamed Haneef will today learn whether he will be allowed to return to work in Australia.
Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews cancelled the former terror suspect's work visa on character grounds last month saying he had a reasonable suspicion Haneef had "associated" with terrorists.
He
referred specifically to Dr Haneef's second cousins Kafeel and Sabeel Ahmed, both allegedly involved in failed bomb plots in the UK in June.
Dr Haneef's lawyers have appealed the decision and at a hearing in the Federal Court at Brisbane on August 8, they argued for his visa to be reinstated so he can continue his physician training at the Gold Coast Hospital.
They disputed the minister's use of the word "association" and questioned whether any relationship with an alleged criminal, even an innocent one, would be enough to justify a visa cancellation.
Solicitor General David Bennett QC, told the court "association" in the minister's usage, was more like "mates" to the average Australian.
He said not only had Haneef given his mobile phone SIM card to Sabeel Ahmed when he left the UK last year, but he had borrowed money from Kafeel and stayed with the brothers for a short time.
Following the day-and-a-half long hearing, Justice Jeffrey Spender reserved his decision until noon (2pm NZT) today.
Dr Haneef still wanted to return to work in Australia, his lawyer Peter Russo said today.
Mr Russo said he spoke to Dr Haneef, who is still in India, last night.
"The main issue is what he wants to do in the future," Mr Russo told ABC radio.
"And it's his wish to return to Australia to continue his studies."
However, Mr Russo said there were some issues with that.
"The main issue is that he doesn't have a visa, but the other issue is that perhaps his family may not think that it's the wisest thing for him to do."
- AAP
