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Man Granted Right to Remain in the UK Under Windrush Scheme After Battle of Nearly 50 Years
The Home Office has confirmed the right to remain in the UK for Samuel Jarrett-Coker, a 61-year-old resident who has faced an uphill struggle regarding his immigration status for decades. This decision comes after a long and arduous process that spans almost half a century, highlighting critical issues surrounding the Windrush scheme.
Jarrett-Coker arrived in the UK at the age of 13 in 1976 from Sierra Leone, traveling on a diplomatic passport that belonged to his older brother, who was employed by the Sierra Leone embassy in London. His life in the UK has been extensive, with four British children and seven grandchildren residing in the country. Throughout the years, he expressed fears about potential homelessness and deportation, stemming from a lack of responses from the Home Office since the 1980s regarding his immigration status.
Upon deciding to make one final attempt to regularize his status, Jarrett-Coker received a letter this week from the Home Office stating that he is now allowed to remain in the UK under the Windrush policy. He is also eligible to apply for the Windrush compensation scheme to seek redress for the difficulties he faced due to his inability to prove his lawful residency.
Jarrett-Coker recently encountered challenges with his housing situation in west London, receiving warnings from his housing association about possible eviction due to his inability to demonstrate his right to rent, resulting from his lack of a passport. He had been living with his British partner, whose tenancy was in her name, but she passed away in 2023, leaving him without necessary documentation.
“Initially, I had a stamp in my Sierra Leone passport. However, when I sent it to the Home Office for updates, I neither received a reply nor my passport back, despite my persistent inquiries,” Jarrett-Coker explained.
His anxiety regarding his immigration status significantly impacted his quality of life, leading to difficulties in eating and sleeping. Jarrett-Coker emphasized, “I have paid taxes and national insurance throughout my life and have worked since I was 16. I take pride in my contributions to British society and couldn’t fathom leaving my children and grandchildren behind.”
Expressing relief at the Home Office’s recent decision, he said, “When I learned I could stay here this week, I felt elated. Approaching 62 years, I finally feel I can give my life some meaning without living in fear.”
His solicitor, Naga Kandiah from MTC Solicitors, praised the development, stating, “For almost 50 years, Samuel has borne the unbearable burden of uncertainty, facing the specter of homelessness and the potential separation from his British family. This overdue acknowledgment finally provides him with the security and dignity he has long been denied.”
Seema Malhotra, the minister for migration and citizenship, remarked, “I am committed to rectifying the grave injustices stemming from the Windrush scandal. Cases like Mr. Jarrett-Coker’s illuminate the necessity for urgent action to provide affected individuals with the compensation and documentation they rightfully deserve. We are dedicated to helping eligible individuals navigate our status scheme, ensuring they can establish their right to remain in the UK. It is crucial to restore dignity to those who have endured these challenges for far too long.”
Source
www.theguardian.com