A STUDENT nurse from Paisley who moved to the UK from Ghana almost a decade ago has won a fight against deportation.
Denzel Darku, 23, has served in the Scottish Youth Parliament and also carried the Commonwealth Games baton ahead of Glasgow 2014.
However, he was left distraught after being threatened with deportation.
Now it has been confirmed that Denzel has been granted permanent residence.
His case was raised by politicians and, earlier this week, Home Secretary Sajid Javid said he was “sympathetic” to his case.
A Home Office spokesman confirmed residence had been granted after a review of Denzel’s circumstances.
He said: “We have contacted Mr Darku’s legal representatives today to advise that, following reconsideration of his case, his application for permanent residence has been granted.”
Denzel’s plight was raised at First Minister’s Questions last week by West Scotland MSP Neil Bibby.
The Labour politician said: “I am absolutely delighted for Denzel that this nightmare has finally come to an end.
“His life has been turned upside down for no reason and lessons must be learned by the Home Office in how they treat people in future.
“I hope the interest in this case – and the Windrush scandal – results in a new approach to immigrants who make their lives here.
“The cruel and unacceptable treatment of people like Denzel in pursuit of politically-driven targets must stop.
“I hope Denzel is now able to resume his nursing studies and continues to be a big part of our community in Paisley.”
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson described the decision to grant permanent residence to Denzel as “good news.”
She said: “I’m delighted for Mr Darku and grateful to the Home Secretary for giving this his personal attention in recent days.”
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Source: the-gazette.co.uk
