Geelong, Australia – A controversial decision to reinstate the visa of a foreign criminal who brutally attacked a man near Eastern Beach has sparked outrage among local officials. Indian national Gurpreet Singh, convicted for the vicious assault of a pizza delivery driver in 2017, successfully appealed the cancellation of his visa and was allowed to remain in the country. The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) cited Singh’s connections to Australia as a key factor in their decision, prompting criticism from Geelong-based Senator Sarah Henderson.
Singh’s victim, Lakhwinder Singh, endured severe injuries from the attack, which nearly turned fatal if not for prompt medical intervention. The incident is just one of several cases where violent foreign offenders have had their visas reinstated, leading to calls for Immigration Minister Andrew Giles to step down. Henderson expressed disappointment in the handling of the situation, emphasizing that Singh should have been deported following his heinous actions.
The controversy escalated with revelations of a governmental directive, known as Direction 99, issued by Giles that resulted in the AAT overturning multiple visa cancellations for criminal non-citizens. Lakhwinder Singh’s injuries necessitated significant medical intervention, including the insertion of metal plates and screws in his head, and surgery to repair skull fractures caused by a knife attack.
Authorities are expected to review and potentially reverse the decision to reinstate Gurpreet Singh’s visa. Giles, in response to the backlash, expressed concern over the lack of oversight in cases where serious offenders had their visas reinstated without his knowledge. The Home Affairs Department is set to advise Giles on similar decisions made by the AAT, raising questions about the efficacy of the visa reinstatement process for convicted criminals.
The case of Gurpreet Singh sheds light on the complexities of handling foreign criminals seeking to remain in Australia. With ongoing scrutiny over governmental decisions impacting public safety and security, the debate around visa reinstatements for violent offenders continues to stir controversy. The outcome of Singh’s appeal underscores the need for comprehensive reforms in the immigration system to prevent similar incidents from recurring in the future.