Fijian British Army Veteran Finally Gets Permanent Residency in UK
He was suffered hearing loss while serving in Afghanistan
Ioane Koroiveibau and his family have been overwhelmed after he has been granted his permanent residency status in the United Kingdom.
Enlistment
The former British army man enlisted in 2007. He became an infantryman in the 1st Battalion Scots Guards, the former regiment of the current British defense secretary, Ben Wallace.
Mr Koroiveibau, 36, spent seven months in Afghanistan in 2010, which resulted in his deafness. His hearing loss was the result of repeated exposure to gunfire on a dangerous tour in Helmand, Afghanistan.
His condition worsened and he was medically discharged in 2012.
The father of four had hoped that the army would help him settle in the UK, but things turned out differently.
Feeling defeated, Mr Koroiveibau returned to Fiji. He said his mental health had deteriorated as well as his hearing.
Chance to return to UK
However, through campaigning and the encouragement of the Commonwealth Neglected Veterans Group, the former soldier tried again and this time, he was granted permanent residency in the UK.
He was emotional at the Nadi International Airport on Friday as he acknowledged God for the opportunity.
“I thank God for this open door of opportunity. It was not easy after I returned back to Fiji,” he said.
“I went through trials, but I didn’t give up easily. I thank my family for the support.” Mr Koroiveibau flew out to the UK with the help of the Royal British Legion. He plans to live in Dorset, with a friend; a sergeant in the Scots Guards.
He is expected to work as a security guard. Being in Britain means Mr Koroiveibau can freely access the medical treatment he needs, but he was unable to bring his wife and three children to the country because the immigration decision does not apply to them.
His wife, Bania Koroiveibau said: “Even though the immigration decision does not allow us to settle with him there, we are hoping that God will open doors.
“We are thankful to the UK government for the great opportunity.”
Mr Koroiveibau’s children were born in Fiji.
Campaign for veterans
The founder of the Commonwealth Neglected Veterans, Esita Tuimanu said their campaign for the veterans started in 2019 and Koroveibau was the first veteran to have his PR granted.
“The campaign started in 2019,” she said. “This is something that we have been doing since 2003. When we entered the UK this is what we have been asking the UK Government to waive the visa fees for commonwealth arm forces currently serving for the veterans and their families.
“Koroiveibau is the first of the six veteran have been granted with visa or permanent resident.
“After eight years of coming back home he is able to go back. We are grateful to the UK Government for recognising his service.” She added they would continue with their campaign until the Government allows his family to go.