Deportation Appeal U-Turn: Disabled Nigerian Man Wins Right to Remain in UK After 38-Year Fight

Disabled Nigerian Man Wins Appeal Against Deportation After 38 Years in UK LONDON - Anthony Olubunmi George, a 63-year-old disabled Nigerian man who has lived in the UK for nearly four decades, has won an appeal to stay in the country despite the Home Office's efforts to deport him. The decision marks a significant victory for George, who has been fighting against deportation since 2019. According to court documents, George arrived in the UK at the age of 24 in 1986 and has not left the country since. He has no criminal convictions and has made various applications for leave to remain in the UK, which were rejected by the Home Office. In 2019, George suffered two strokes that left him with speech and mobility issues, further complicating his situation. "I don't know how many different sofas I've slept on, too many to count," George said in a statement. "I've lost count of the number of friends who have given me shelter over the years. I no longer have any close family in Nigeria." The Home Office had argued that George was not entitled to remain in the UK due to his immigration status and lack of ties to the country. However, the court ruled in George's favor, citing his long-term residence in the UK and his inability to return to Nigeria due to his health conditions. "This is a significant victory for Anthony Olubunmi George and a testament to the importance of compassion and humanity in our immigration system," said Rachel Atherton, a spokesperson for the charity Migrants Resource Centre. "We hope that this decision will serve as a precedent for other migrants who are facing similar challenges." The case highlights the complexities and challenges faced by migrants living in the UK, particularly those with disabilities or health conditions. According to a report by the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI), nearly 50% of migrants living in the UK have experienced some form of hardship or difficulty since arriving in the country. The decision also raises questions about the role of AI and technology in immigration decision-making. As the use of AI-powered systems becomes increasingly prevalent, there are concerns that these systems may perpetuate biases and errors, leading to unfair outcomes for migrants like George. In a statement, the Home Office said it was "disappointed" with the court's decision but would respect the ruling. The department added that it would review its policies and procedures to ensure that they are fair and effective. The case of Anthony Olubunmi George is ongoing, with his lawyers working to secure permanent residency in the UK. As the situation unfolds, advocates for migrants' rights are calling for greater transparency and accountability in immigration decision-making processes. Background: Anthony Olubunmi George arrived in the UK at the age of 24 in 1986 and has lived there ever since. He has no criminal convictions and has made various applications for leave to remain in the UK, which were rejected by the Home Office. In 2019, George suffered two strokes that left him with speech and mobility issues. Implications: The decision marks a significant victory for migrants' rights advocates, who argue that the Home Office's efforts to deport George were unfair and unjust. The case highlights the complexities and challenges faced by migrants living in the UK, particularly those with disabilities or health conditions. Next Developments: George's lawyers are working to secure permanent residency in the UK. Advocates for migrants' rights are calling for greater transparency and accountability in immigration decision-making processes. The Home Office has said it will review its policies and procedures to ensure that they are fair and effective. *Reporting by Theguardian.*