Afghan interpreter can stay in Leicester after UK Border Agency U-turn
An Afghan man who was wounded in a Taliban bomb attack while working as an interpreter for British forces has won the right to settle in Leicester after a U-turn by the UK Border Agency.
Mohammad, as he wishes to be known, has been granted refugee status despite initially being told he could not stay in this country.
The 25-year-old is still scarred by shrapnel wounds five years after he was caught in a bomb attack which killed a British captain.
He fled to Britain in July 2011 after receiving death threats from the Taliban, but his application to stay in this country was turned down.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013
Border agency investigators said they did not have evidence of how Mohammad was injured, that he was an Afghan or that his life was under threat if he had stayed in his country.
Following publicity about his case, which "led to new and significant information", the agency withdrew its decision and agreed to review Mohammad's application.
Leicester East MP Keith Vaz, who supported Mohammad in his bid for refugee status, said this evening that the border agency had "admitted that the most basic checks had not been carried out by case officers".
Mr Vaz said he was "delighted" Mohammad could now stay in the UK.
"He should never have had to go through such a lengthy process with the UKBA bureaucracy," he said. "No-one should have to wait for so long.
"We owe asylum to interpreters who have risked their lives for our forces.
"This sets a very important precedent for future decisions, and I hope it will allow others in his position to be shown the same compassion."
Comments
by f007e
Thursday, October 25 2012, 10:05AM
“DBLeicester are you seriously asking "Why did it take so long for the Taliban to threaten him..? ". Do you think we should refer this tardiness to the Taliban ombudsman? Send them on training course to threaten people in a more speedy manner?”
by Kohelet
Thursday, October 25 2012, 3:59AM
“Why not let the UKBA do their job? Good qustion. The answer is in the story if you bothered to read it.
" border agency had "admitted that the most basic checks had not been carried out by case officers".”
by DBLeicester
Wednesday, October 24 2012, 10:15PM
“Another immigration story, another chance for Vaz to get involved. Why don't we just let the UKBA do the jobs they are paid to do Mr Vaz and keep your snout out? If eligible, the person in question should be granted asylum, if not, then he should be deported...simple. What I would question, is why he stayed in Afghanistan for a further 4+ years after his injury before leaving. Why did it take so long for the Taliban to threaten him..? - ''This sets a very important precedent for future decisions, and I hope it will allow others in his position to be shown the same compassion''. I hope Mr Vaz also has some further ideas on how to house, fund and employ these 'others' that may arrive. I would love to see a story ran on that!”
by georgeisafish
Tuesday, October 23 2012, 7:42PM
“someone best warn him of the dangers out there in modern britain”