Haneef visa issue will be disposed of once investigation complete

Manila, July 31 (UNI) The Australian government will dispose of the case relating to the visa of Indian doctor Mohammeed Haneef after the investigation in the matter is over, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said here today.

The External Affairs Minister, who had a meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit (EAS) of Foreign Ministers, said the two had discussed the case of Dr Haneef whose visa was scrapped by Australian immigration authorities after his arrest on charges of assisting terrorists responsible for Glasgow airport bombing.

''The Australian Foreign Minister told me that investigation is still on. Once the investigation is over, then his case relating to visa will be finally disposed of,'' the External Affairs Minister said.

Dr Haneef, a Bangalore doctor who was working in Australia, was arrested by the Australian police following allegations of his involvement in Galsgow airport bombing. His visa was subsequently scrapped by the Australian immigration authorities. He remained in jail for 27 days.

He was, however, released as the charges against him could not be proved.

UNI