Ghanaian Man, 74, Faces 10-Year Wait to Stay in UK Despite Living There for 50 Years
Nelson Shardey, originally from Ghana, has lived in the UK for almost five decades, assuming he was considered British. However, in 2019, he discovered he wasn’t officially British.
Now, despite paying taxes his whole life and contributing to society, he’s required to go through a lengthy process and pay thousands of pounds to remain in the country permanently.
Shardey’s story is one of dedication and service to his adopted home. He came to the UK in 1977 to study and has since built his life there, marrying twice and raising his sons.
He’s been an active member of his community, even receiving a bravery award for stopping a robbery. However, when he applied for a passport to visit his mother’s funeral in Ghana, he was told he had no right to be in the UK.
The Home Office instructed Shardey to apply for a 10-year settlement route, costing him around £7,000, plus additional fees to access healthcare.
This requirement seems unjust to Shardey and his family, especially considering his long history in the UK and his contributions to society.
Despite facing financial and health challenges, Shardey remains determined to fight for his right to stay. With the support of a lawyer, he’s taking the Home Office to court, arguing that his case warrants special consideration due to his lengthy residency and service to the community.
This story sheds light on the complexities and struggles faced by immigrants, even those who have spent most of their lives in a country they consider home.
It calls into question the fairness of immigration policies and highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in such cases.
Credit: BBC News
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-merseyside-69016539