New Delhi:
A hero in one country, a burden for another! In yet another horrifying incident against disabled people, an Indian tourist looking forward to spending Christmas with his family over in Australia was denied visa because he was wheelchair-bound.
Also Read | Fuel prices slashed yet again, check December 7 rates here
The victim of discrimination now identified as Shubhajeet was a former military man who was injured during his time in service. In a viral tweet, a Twitter user with the handle @briannasbell narrated the whole awful incident about how Shubhajeet, who was planning a visit to Australia for two weeks on a tourist visa, was denied the aforementioned.
@ainehillbilly @bluntshovels @HChristinaR @DeanPWDA @DisabilityLead @carlyfindlay @SarahRubyWrites @DylanAlcott
— Brianna Bell (@briannasbell) December 7, 2018
His visa was denied on the grounds that he would put too much pressure on the health services in Australia. However, the user further explained that Shubhajeet, in fact, has a travel insurance, has completed his rehab following the injury in military services that caused his paraplegia, and has no intention to use Australia's health care system.
This has caused a furore among concerned citizens from both the countries and Twitterati, as usual, have expressed their anger against the selective discrimination.
The tweet was also shared by Shubhajeet's wife and a member of his family.
The family is currently looking for different avenues to get Shubhajeet and his family back in Australia by Christmas.
Check out some of the tweets here:
My sister & brother in law moved (back) to Australia earlier this year. My bro-in-law’s family are coming to visit for Christmas from o/seas. Unfortunately, one member of the family has been denied a tourist visa due to being in a wheelchair. https://t.co/y13N4W46AG
— Natasha Robinson (@hereistash) December 7, 2018
Honestly this country is rotten to the core
— Amerika ist wünderbar (@InflatablePlant) December 7, 2018
That’s absolutely ridiculous. I’m so sorry.
— Camille (@MsCurlyPops) December 7, 2018
Can you contact @PWDAustralia for help?
I see more to it than just being against 'wheelchaired'. Indian also. I dont think Australia wud do the same if a disabled veteran from US/UK or any other 'white' nations applied/arrived!
— Aam Aadmi The Indian (@IndianAamAadmi) December 7, 2018
