A 74-year-old Ghanaian man who has lived in the UK for nearly 50 years is facing deportation after the Home Office denied his application for permanent residency. Nelson Shardey, a resident of Wallasey, Wirral, only discovered in 2019 that he wasn’t officially considered British despite building a life, raising a family, and contributing to the community for decades.
Shardey arrived in the UK in 1977 on a student visa that allowed him to work. After a coup in Ghana, his family could no longer support his studies, forcing him to take on various jobs. He married a British woman, had two sons, and even received a bravery award for tackling a robber.
Despite living a life deeply integrated into British society, Shardey’s citizenship status came into question when he applied for a passport to attend his mother’s funeral in Ghana. The Home Office informed him he wasn’t eligible and directed him towards a ten-year residency application process that would cost him a staggering £17,500.
“I can’t afford to pay any part of the money they are asking,” said Shardey, who is battling prostate cancer. “Telling me to go through that route is a punishment, and it’s not fair in any way.”
Shardey’s case highlights the complexities of immigration laws, particularly for long-term residents who may have unknowingly missed crucial steps in securing citizenship. His sons are appealing the decision and raising funds to cover legal costs. They argue their father’s exceptional circumstances, including his lengthy residency, community service, and bravery award, warrant special consideration.
“He’s been here longer than the people who are working in the Home Office on his case have been alive,” said his son, Jacob. “We know that at least one caseworker has suggested he should be granted indefinite leave to remain,” added his lawyer, Nicola Burgess. “When you look at it on a personal level, if Nelson was your friend or your neighbour, you would absolutely agree that he should be given the immediate right to settle.”
The Home Office declined to comment on the ongoing legal case.
