Anthony Olubunmi George, a 63-year-old disabled Nigerian man, has won an appeal against deportation after living in the United Kingdom for almost 40 years. Mr George arrived in the country in 1986 at the age of 24 and has remained since, without any criminal convictions. He suffered two strokes in 2019, leaving him with speech and mobility difficulties.
Throughout his time in the UK, Mr George has experienced periods of homelessness and has relied on friends for accommodation. "I don't know how many different sofas I've slept on, too many to count," he said. He also stated that he no longer has close family in Nigeria from whom he could receive support.
His legal battle involved multiple rejected applications to the Home Office for leave to remain. In 2005, his previous solicitors submitted a forged entry stamp in his passport, an act that was later reported to police and legal regulators. Mr George maintained he was unaware of the stamp until years later. His current lawyer, Naga Kandiah of MTC Solicitors, attributed his client's prolonged immigration difficulties to that poor legal representation.
A Home Office rejection letter had suggested that "it's open to your family and friends to visit you in Nigeria." However, the immigration tribunal judge noted that the solicitor who submitted the fake stamp had been struck off. The judge also observed that Mr George avoided visiting his GP due to fears about his immigration status, which may have contributed to his subsequent strokes and destitution.
Mr George expressed relief at the ruling, saying, "I'm so happy I don't know what to say. My life has just begun again." His lawyer added, "He has waited for it for almost four decades." After nearly 40 years of uncertainty, Mr George now has the right to remain in the UK.
