Veteran denied free op thanks public for help
A FIJIAN Army veteran has thanked the public for donating more than £21,000 to pay for a life-saving operation after he was effectively branded an illegal immigrant.
Soldiers with foreign nationality have the right to remain in the UK after leaving the Armed Forces provided they have served for four years.
But despite 10 years in the Royal Logistic Corps Taitusi Ratucaucau was told he would be treated as an overseas patient when he had emergency surgery for a brain tumour.
It meant the father of three, 49, would have to foot a medical bill of more than £27,000.
Crowdfunding appeals by friends and supporters have now generated at least £21,000 and Taitusi said: “Thank you very much for your support, compassion and kindness.
“I feel humbled and relieved to hear that there are people out there who really care for me, my family and my eight brothers who are all fighting to remain in this country.
“Please help fight our campaign because the Ministry of Defence and the Home Office do not feel that we should stay in Great Britain, a country we have fought for. I hope justice prevails.” Taitusi is one of nine Commonwealth veterans taking legal action against the Government over their rights to settle in the UK.
Veterans have been left unable to access free NHS treatment and are in fear of deportation, unemployment and homelessness.
Taitusi said: “I didn’t expect this to happen. Never in a million years because I fought for this country.
“If I knew it was going to be like this I would never have come here.”
Esita Tuimanu who set up the Commonwealth Neglected Veterans group said: “If someone is willing to sacrifice their lives to serve Queen and country, then I’m absolutely certain they deserve to be here.”
Lawyers Anthony Metzer QC and Vinita Templeton are trying to obtain a judicial review of the Government’s position.
Mr Metzer says the fact that his clients have no settled status “feeds a real sense of uncertainty and deep injustice”.