•Shardey
Nelson Shardey, a retired Ghanaian shopkeeper who has lived in the UK for nearly 50 years, has been granted indefinite leave to remain by the Home Office after a protracted legal battle.
Shardey, 74, originally from Ghana, arrived in Britain in 1977 as a student. Despite spending decades in the UK, he was informed in 2019 that he had no right to remain in the country, reports AFP.
However, the Home Office has now acknowledged the exceptional nature of Shardey’s case, allowing him to stay permanently.
This decision comes after massive public support and a legal challenge that highlighted his long-term residence and contributions to the community.
A Life Built in the UK
Shardey’s life in the UK began with various jobs, including stints at Mother’s Pride bread, Kipling’s Cakes near Southampton, and Bendick’s Chocolate in Winchester. He eventually settled in Wallasey, where he ran a newsagent called Nelson’s News.
Throughout his time in the UK, Shardey married twice, both times to British women, and raised two sons, Jacob and Aaron. His commitment to the community was recognized in 2007 when he received a police bravery award for confronting a robber who was attacking a delivery man with a baseball bat.
Legal Hurdles and Public Support
In 2019, Shardey’s application for a British passport, submitted to visit Ghana after his mother’s death, was denied on the grounds that he was not a British citizen. He was advised to apply for the 10-year route to settlement, a process costing approximately £7,000, plus an additional £10,500 for NHS access.
Public support for Shardey’s case grew rapidly, raising over £48,000 for his legal expenses. This money will now be donated to charity following the successful resolution of his case.
UK Home Office Decision
Acknowledging Shardey’s exceptional circumstances, including his bravery award and community service, the Home Office exercised discretion under the Immigration Act to grant him indefinite leave to remain. The application fee will also be waived.
Reactions
Shardey expressed his relief and gratitude. “I am overwhelmed, very, very happy, and relieved,” he said, thanking everyone who supported him throughout his ordeal.
Nicola Burgess, Shardey’s lawyer from the Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit, praised his resilience. “Nelson’s bravery in the face of a dysfunctional immigration system has been inspirational,” she said, calling for reforms to simplify the system and prevent similar cases.
Shardey’s sons, Aaron and Jacob, expressed their heartfelt thanks. “This victory means the absolute world to us. We are so grateful to our legal team and everyone who supported us,” they said.
