Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahmed on Friday said India is hopeful that the Australian Government will reissue Mohammed Haneef’s visa to facilitate his safe return to the country.

“We are hopeful that the visa will be reissued for Haneef’s  safe return to India. The Indian High Commission in Canberra has been directed to extend him all possible help for his safe return,” he told Deccan Herald over phone from Kerala.

The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship cancelled Mohammed Haneef’s visa on character grounds.

His visa was cancelled soon after a Brisbane court granting him a bail on terrorism charges made by Australian Federal Police in connection to failed UK terror plot.

Asked whether New Delhi will pressurise the Australian Government to reinstate Mr Haneef’s visa, Mr Ahmed said there is no need for India to exert any pressure.

“Australian Government has been taking action, and we hope that it will reissue the visa. We are to see what decision the Australian Government will take in this regard,” he added.

For a question as to when Haneef is expected to be back in India, the minister said it will be decided by the Australian Government.

“It is certain that he will come back to India. And there are two ways. Either he will be deported or granted a visa,” said Mr Ahmed.