Nelson Sharday, a 74-year-old Ghanaian, has been granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK after living in the country for nearly 50 years. Sharday moved to the UK in 1977 as a student and has since built a life, marrying twice and having two sons.
Despite his long residence, Sharday was told he had no right to live in the UK when he applied for a passport in 2019. The Home Office demanded he use the 10-year route to settlement, which costs £7,000, plus an additional £10,500 for NHS access.
Sharday’s family and lawyers argued that his case was exceptional due to his long residence, bravery award, and community service. The Home Office has now recognized Sharday’s case as exceptional and granted him indefinite leave to remain, waiving the application fee.
Sharday expressed relief and gratitude, thanking everyone who supported him, and hopes his case will lead to changes in the immigration system. His lawyer, Nicola Burgess, praised Sharday’s bravery and urged the government to simplify the immigration system to avoid similar cases.
Sharday’s sons, Aaron and Jacob, expressed their gratitude, and the family will donate the £48,000 raised for legal fees to three charities. The Home Office apologized for any inconvenience and distress caused and is working with Sharday to process his application.
