AUSTRALIA TO REVOKE ZIM STUDENTS VISAS (17-08-07)

ner n Friday announced the measure as
part of a strengthening of Australia’s sanctions against Mugabe.

Downer said he had taken the decision because the Zimbabwean president continued to display a complete disregard of democracy and human rights.

Mugabe was also continuing the economic policies which are destroying his
country, leading to 10,000 per cent inflation and 80 per cent unemployment,
Mr Downer said.

Once the students’ visas have been revoked the Government will move to have
them removed from Australia, Mr Downer said.

“I have also initiated steps to reject the student visa applications of a
further two adult children who are children of a senior Mugabe regime
figure,” Mr Downer said.

“For privacy reasons, the names of the individuals subject to the measures I
have outlined will not be released.”

Downer said Australia will now screen all future student visa
applications from Zimbabweans to identify whether applicants are the
children of Zimbabwean officials or regime supporters.

“Applications so identified will be referred to me for consideration as to
whether their presence in Australia would be in Australia’s foreign policy
interests,” Mr Downer said.

Mr Downer said the measures will not affect the overwhelming majority of
Zimbabwean students in Australia.

Existing sanctions prevent members of the regime visiting Australia or
transferring funds to and from Australia.

“These new measures will now also prevent these individuals from giving
their families the kind of education their policies have denied the other Zimbabweans.”