THE Home Office has overturned a “discriminatory” decision that saw two young disabled musicians denied entry to Scotland, permitting them to travel to Edinburgh to take part in a musical cultural exchange programme funded by the British Council.
Last week the Sunday National reported that Jyothi Kalaiselvi, a 19-year-old violinist, and Prem Bhagavan Nagaraju, a 25-year-old keyboard player, who are both blind, were denied access to the UK.
The two were due to arrive in Edinburgh with the Devasitham Charitable Foundation for a two-week visit hosted by the Scottish charity, Paragon Music.
Their three non-disabled colleagues were granted entry. But the Home Office refused the disabled musicians visas claiming it was not satisfied that they had “sufficient ties” to India to return home.
The case, highlighted by the Sunday National, gained support from SNP MP Alison Thewliss and a petition set up by Paragon Music received more than 2000 signatures. Following lobbying, the decision was reviewed by the Home Office and overturned on Friday, with visas now issued.
READ MORE: Call for Javid to overturn decision to refuse musicians Scottish entry
Paragon Music plans to re-organise the event in the autumn and has launched a Just Giving appeal to pay for new flights, after losing thousands on the previous ones the participants were unable to use.
Ninan Parry, creative director, said: “We are delighted that, thanks to pressure from all of our fantastic supporters and friends and the media, the decision has now been overturned and all six people have had their visas approved and are now able to travel to Scotland.”
Dr Alfred Benjamin, director of Devasitham Charitable Foundation, added: “Both Prem and Jothi were elated. I felt a great respect to the UK for hearing the voice of the people. We are proud of all those who stood to support us.”
A Home Office spokesman confirmed that “in light of further information” the decision had been overturned following a review.
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