HIGHLY skilled migrants faced with removal from the UK over tax returns because of a controversial “terrorism” clause have urged Sajid Javid to “give us our right”.
University graduates Mustafa Ali Baig and Omer Khitab shared their stories with The National after immigration officials cited corrections to tax returns as a reason to deny them the chance to stay on in Scotland.
The Pakistani men were served notices rejecting their bids for indefinite leave to remain under clause 322.5, which covers “character and conduct” and allows refusal on the grounds of criminality and terror links.
The Glasgow residents are just two of thousands thought to be affected, with South Asians demonstrating against the government’s “hostile environment” outside the House of Parliament. Home Secretary Sajid Javid has now agreed to halt removals under the clause, pending a review.
The decision was announced in a letter to the Home Affairs Select Committee on Tuesday and the review is set to complete by the end of the month. Reacting yesterday, compliance officer Baig said the news had brought fresh hope of gaining indefinite leave to remain in Scotland. He said: “There is a chance they might offer us something less, but our fight is to get our right.
“We waited for so long and now we should be naturalised, rather then indefinite leave to remain.”
IT expert Khitab, whose mental health has suffered through the ordeal, said: “Something is better than nothing. But I am not quite hopeful, given the previous record. Each time the Home Office goes one step forward and then strikes back full force with new excuses. Only time will tell if the hostility will lessen.”
Their MP Alison Thewliss commented: “It is welcome news that the Home Secretary has decided to review the government’s policy of pursuing people over minor discrepancies in their tax returns.
“Whilst a temporary halt on removals is a good thing, the Home Secretary must take further, meaningful action to fully reverse this policy. Anything less will only serve to perpetuate the misery for those whose lives have been needlessly thrown into turmoil.”
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