We as a community were shocked in learning of the fate of Manmeet Alisher (Manmeet Sharma), who was horrifically killed on 28th Oct 2016 in Brisbane.  A young man going about his duty driving a bus, when in a completely unprovoked attack, an incendiary device was thrown at him setting him on fire, causing him to burn to death.

For Manmeet’s family this tragedy is a nightmare.  On top of which there are many ramifications which they are now left to deal with including practical realities. 

To attend the trial, they will need to spend extended periods of time in Australia as visitors, which means they will be without the means of being able to support themselves (as visitors are not allowed to work) as well as fund the additional costs of living while here.

There are Manmeet’s financial affairs and compensation matters here in Australia to deal with.  These things are not straightforward for a local. From a distance for people with a language barrier with no authority to turn to, who knows if they will even be able to claim let alone receive all of what they are due. These type of claims and administration can take several years. 

For these reasons it makes practical sense that the immediate family be granted permanent residency here in Australia, so they are not placed under further injustice by cost, separations.  Here they can be in full receipt of all information of their son's attackers trial, which they should not have to learn by second hand or by media reports.  That is the very least they deserve. 

A formal submission has gone to the Australian Government to grant the family permanent residency here in Australia in a gesture of goodwill and compassion.

Please sign this petition to put your full support behind the Manmeet Alisher family to urge the Prime Minister and the Minister for Immigration and Border Patrol to use his Ministerial discretionary powers or the authority for intervention under the Migration Act to grant them their residency.