MEDIA RELEASE
088/09
16 October 2009
Paul Watson visa application
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship today rejected claims it was
delaying processing of a visa application for Sea Shepherd captain Paul
Watson.
Mr Watson has applied for a visa to visit Australia to undertake a range of
public speaking and media activities associated with the Sea Shepherd
Conservation Society.
“Our standard procedure is to follow-up certain matters disclosed to the
department in a visa application, and that’s what is occurring,” a spokesman
said.
“Though Mr Watson may have previously visited Australia as a tourist, the
visa required for that type of visit is quite different to that for a short-term
business visit, which is what is required for his forthcoming trip.
“This is a matter being handled by the department in a manner no different to
the standard procedures in place for the processing of millions of visa
applications each year.
“We expect to be making a decision on Mr Watson’s visa application in the
coming days,” the spokesman added.
Media Enquiries: (02) 6264 2244
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