A STUDENT nurse who has lived in Scotland for almost a decade has won his fight against deportation.
Denzel Darku, 23, who moved from Ghana when he was 14, was threatened with deportation but has now been granted permanent residence.
His case was raised by politicians and earlier this week Home Secretary Sajid Javid said he was “sympathetic” to Darku’s case.
Darku, who lives in Paisley, carried the Commonwealth Games baton ahead of Glasgow 2014 and has served in the Scottish Youth Parliament.
A Home Office spokesman confirmed residence had been granted after a review of the case.
He said: “We have contacted Darku’s legal representatives to advise that, following reconsideration of his case, his application for permanent residence has been granted.”
Darku’s plight was raised at First Minister’s Questions last week by Neil Bibby.
The Labour MSP said after yesterday’s announcement: “I am absolutely delighted for Denzel that this nightmare has finally come to an end.
“His life has been turned upside down for no reason and lessons must be learned by the Home Office in how they treat people in future. I hope the interest in this case – and the Windrush scandal – results in a new approach to immigrants who make their lives here.
“The cruel and unacceptable treatment of people like Denzel in pursuit of politically driven targets must stop.
“I hope Denzel is now able to resume his nursing studies and continues to be a big part of our community in Paisley.”
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said: “This is good news.
“I’m delighted for Mr Darku and grateful to the Home Secretary for giving this his personal attention in recent days.”
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