(UK) Why is the Government trying to deport a frail, disabled couple fleeing war-torn Libya?

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http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/why-is-the-government-trying-to-deport-a-frail-disabled-couple-fleeing-war-torn-libya-10513862.html



The Sharmas pictured with one of their grandchildren

Why is the Government trying to deport a frail, disabled couple fleeing war-torn Libya?
Naomi Clugston
Wednesday 23 September 2015 15:01 BST

As the Libyan war escalated in the spring of 2014 Mr and Mrs Sharma were visiting their two daughters in England. Mr Sharma, 72, was a professor of Mathematics in Benghazi University. He had lived with his 64-year-old-wife in Libya for 30 years. While staying with their daughters, their house was bombed and all their belongings were destroyed. Since 2014 they have lived with their daughter, Rajni Kapur, on whom they are now entirely dependent.

In the last 18 months the health of the Sharmas has deteriorated so much that they are now both considered to have significant disabilities. According to their GP, they are too unwell to be able to live independently. They need the support of their daughters, and not only in terms of providing a home, food, and emotional and psychological support. They also need them to perform everyday activities that most people would take for granted such as bathing, eating, and drinking.

If the Sharmas had Libyan passports it is likely they would have very quickly been granted refugee status and been allowed to stay in Britain where their daughters could care for them. However, because they were born in India, the Home Office is in the process of organizing their deportation to Delhi.

The Sharmas moved from India in 1987 and have not returned since. Consequently, they have no family or friends to whom they could go. India also has no form of social security for which they could apply. Although the Sharma’s daughters have been able to care for them in England, they do not have the means to fund the health care, housing, food, or emotional and psychological support that would be needed if they were sent to India. It is the opinion of the Sharmas’ GP that if these plans go ahead their deportation will most likely lead to their deaths.