In a “last minute” U-turn, the UK Border Agency (UKVA) today announced that Fijian-born solider Isimeli ‘Bale’ Baleiwai and other foreign and Commonwealth soldiers who risked their lives for Britain yet were threatened with deportation, can now stay in the UK.
UK Veterans charity Veterans Aid, who were at the forefront of the campaign to prevent these deportations, welcomed today’s news.
Dr Hugh Milroy, CEO of Veterans Aid, said “We welcome reports of this “about turn” by the Borders Agency, after much pressure from Veterans Aid, MP’s, the public and the media.
It’s just a shame that it took so long for them to come to what is such an obvious solution.
It should never have happened in the first place, of course – these soldiers fought for this country, in many cases have wives and children here – and to be told they have to leave for a motoring offence, for example, was crazy … and clearly very unjust.
Regardless of this, the service charities will still be supporting those who have fallen foul of the previous system for many years to come.”
The original decisions were called “morally unjust” and a “breach of the military covenant’, while an online petition quickly received almost 30,000 signatures.
On 28 June, Baleiwai was refused citizenship and learned he would also be refused indefinite leave to Remain because the UKBA believed he was not of “good character”.
On 12 July he was informed by letter that he must leave the country by 9 August.
A Home Office spokesman said “We recognise the immense sacrifices and contribution made by our armed forces.
Foreign and Commonwealth military personnel who have served for more than four years can apply to settle here up to two years after leaving the military.
“We have also reviewed the criteria for granting settlement rights – including how military convictions can affect immigration and nationality decisions”.
The Channel 4 news report can be seen here – a new window will open.
