Close X
Thursday, October 3, 2024
ADVT 
International

Saddest Story: Tragic TB Death of Indian Man Manjit Singh In Australia Highlights Immigration Flaws

Darpan News Desk IANS, 17 Aug, 2015 11:01 AM
    The death of an Indian immigrant who lived under appalling conditions in Australia has highlighted the flaws in the country's immigration system, an official said on Monday.
     
    According to Deputy State Coroner Hugh Dillon, the death of Manjit Singh was one of the saddest stories he ever heard, describing it as a "21st-century retelling" of George Orwell's "How the poor die", the Geelong Advertiser reported.
     
    Singh arrived in Australia in February 2006, thinking that his promised $43,000 a year salary would allow him to support his family in India.
     
    He was sponsored by Anmol Holdings, a company trading as north Indian flavour in Darlinghurst.
     
    The Indian was living in a slave-like condition, sleeping in the restaurant's storeroom, malnourished and working 16 hours a day with little pay.
     
    He died in 2011 from the complications of his once-latent tuberculosis, which flared up due to malnourishment, folate deficient and severe vitamin D deficiency.
     
     
    An inquest into his death was heard on Monday.
     
    Dillon said that according to counsel for department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP), the current system was "not broken, so there is no need to fix it".
     
    "I hope that DIBP is not so complacent that it thinks that Manjit Singh's case is unimportant for what it reveals about the potential threats to the welfare of 457 visa (temporary) holders, and for public health," Dillon said.
     
    "And I hope that DIBP is not so complacent that it believes its systems cannot be improved," he added.
     
    Dillon said he would be writing to the immigration minister about the case.
     
    He also recommended that authorities work together to find the optimal policy for ensuring the health and welfare of temporary visa holders.

    MORE International ARTICLES

    Curious case of Yuan's strength: Still a one-way bet?

    Curious case of Yuan's strength: Still a one-way bet?
    Over the past four years, the gradual appreciation of the Chinese Yuan against the US dollar was considered a one way bet by currency traders.

    Curious case of Yuan's strength: Still a one-way bet?

    Vladimir Putin slams the 'coup' in Ukraine

    Vladimir Putin slams the 'coup' in Ukraine
    Putin said Yanukovych would have been killed if Russia did not give him refuge, and Moscow did so "on humanitarian motives". According to Putin, Russia received direct request from Yanukovych about military assistance. 

    Vladimir Putin slams the 'coup' in Ukraine

    Indian-origin man charged with rape of minor in Australia

    Indian-origin man charged with rape of minor in Australia
    An Indian-origin man was charged with raping a 13-year-old girl in the Australian state of New South Wales, a media report said Sunday.

    Indian-origin man charged with rape of minor in Australia

    Mukesh Ambani richest Indian as Bill Gates returns to top

    Mukesh Ambani richest Indian as Bill Gates returns to top
    Mukesh Ambani again emerged as the richest among ten Indians in the Forbes annual list of a record 1,645 billionaires with an aggregate net worth of $6.41 trillion

    Mukesh Ambani richest Indian as Bill Gates returns to top

    Sikhs demand more representation in US city administration

    Sikhs demand more representation in US city administration
    Around 40 members of the Indian and Sikh communities here have asked for more representation in the administration of Jersey City in New Jersey state

    Sikhs demand more representation in US city administration

    Japan must act responsibly on 'comfort women': China

    Japan must act responsibly on 'comfort women': China
    China has urged Japan to act responsibly after a senior Japanese official announced plans to re-examine a statement offering apologies for Japan's wartime sexual slavery.

    Japan must act responsibly on 'comfort women': China