Some Indian professionals wrongly denied right to stay: UK

LONDON: The UK government on Thursday admitted errors were made in denying some Indian skilled professionals the right to live and work there over a controversial clause in the immigration rules questioning their good conduct and character.

The UK Home Office admitted around 31 applications will be re-assessed at the conclusion of an internal review into the issue of visa applicants, largely from South Asian countries, being refused settlement rights over perceived dishonesty in reporting their earnings to the country’s tax department.

Among the 31 cases, 12 have been identified as incorrect refusals and will be overturned to give the applicants settlement rights in the United Kingdom.

The remaining 19 cases will require more information from applicants before reconsidering their cases.

The issue involves skilled professionals who were entitled to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), or permanent settlement, after a minimum of five years’ lawful residency in the UK.