FED: High Court rules against Kosovo application

AAP General News (Australia)
04-10-2000
FED: High Court rules against Kosovo application

The Kosovars were seeking an injunction stopping the government from forcing them out
of Australia while they argued their case.

On Friday they won a weekend reprieve while the High Court considered their application.

High Court Justice MURRAY GLEESON today ruled their application is unsuccessful.

Kosovars, who were on temporary safe haven visas, launched the action after the government
refused to allow them to apply for protection visas.

Under immigration rules, those with temporary safe haven visas are only able to apply
for protection visas with the minister's discretion.

The Kosovars had claimed Immigration Minister PHILIP RUDDOCK failed to consider aspects
of a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees report when considering their request
to apply for protection visas.

A lawyer representing the Kosovars, BASIL NUREDINI, said last week if his clients were
to win today's injunction it would have cleared the way for him to present further arguments
to the minister to allow them to stay.

AAP gl/sb/wz/jn

KEYWORD: KOSOVO COURT 2 SYDNEY

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