A 61-year-old Nigerian man who has resided in the UK for the past 38 years, is now facing potential deportation following allegations of passport falsification.
The man whose name is Anthony Olubunmi George, moved to the UK in 1986 at the age of 24, has lived in the country without any criminal convictions.
His troubles reportedly began in 2005 when his former solicitors submitted a falsified entry stamp in his passport, an act that was later reported to the police and legal regulatory bodies.
In an interview with The Guardian, George insisted he was unaware of the falsified stamp until years after it was submitted.
Despite this, multiple applications for leave to remain in the UK have been denied by the Home Office, with the latest rejection issued on May 7, 2024.
George reportedly stated that he no longer has any immediate relatives residing in Nigeria and has endured numerous episodes of homelessness.
In 2019, the man reportedly suffered two strokes, severely impacting his mobility and speech.
“I don’t know how many different sofas I’ve slept on – too many to count. I don’t have my life, living the way I’m living now. My health problems since I had my stroke are my biggest worry. All I’m asking for is some kindness from the Home Office,” the man lamented.
His current lawyer, Naga Kandiah of MTC Solicitors, attributes George’s predicament to poor legal representation in the past.
Kandiah has challenged the Home Office’s recent decision, highlighting George’s prolonged period of uncertainty, his severe health issues, and his complete lack of family support in Nigeria.
“My client has been living in limbo for 38 years, with no family, has suffered two strokes and has no family left in Nigeria. His situation is not just because of Home Office policies but also because of poor representation by previous solicitors who failed to uphold professional integrity and ethical standards,” the lawyer said.
The Home Office, however, maintains that applications must be assessed based on their merits and in line with immigration rules.
“Applications have to be considered on their merits in accordance with the immigration rules, and applicants are responsible for demonstrating that they meet these rules.” a spokesperson stated.
