Deportation row doc given hope in battle to stay
A DOCTOR from Singapore who faced being thrown out of the country after nearly a decade could be allowed to stay and qualify as a GP following a Home Office U-turn.
Dr Luke Ong, who came to the UK 10 years ago to train, had been threatened with deportation by immigration officials.
As revealed by the Manchester Evening News, the 31-year-old successfully appealed a decision to deny him permanent residency last year after his application was submitted 18 days late.
An immigration judge ruled it ‘would not be proportionate’ to remove Dr Ong.
However, Home Office officials applied to overturn that decision, leaving his future in this country hanging in the balance.
But now immigration chiefs have reviewed the case ‘following further representations’ and applied to withdraw from the appeal proceedings.
The Home Office said it will reconsider Dr Ong’s application for indefinite leave to remain.
Dr Ong, who lives in Manchester city centre, said he was ‘cautiously optimistic’ after learning of the decision.
He has not been able to work at his GP practice at Horwich, in Bolton, for seven months.
The M.E.N.’s story sparked a massive outpouring of public support for Dr Ong, with more than 65,000 people signing an online petition demanding he is allowed to stay.
He has been backed by Manchester MP Lucy Powell, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and a host of top doctors and clinicians.
“It’s a positive development,” Dr Ong said. “However, at this time I am remaining cautiously optimistic about what is going to happen.
“The support from everyone and everywhere has been astounding.
“My life has been on hold for this long. It’s been seven months since I last saw a patient. I’m worried my knowledge will be going to rust.
“Hopefully, we should hear from the Home Office soon.”
Dr Ong first came to the UK 10 years ago to study medicine.
His parents paid almost £100,000 to get him through medical school and since then the government has paid for his GP training.
A Home Office spokeswoman said: “All applications are considered on their individual merits, including any exceptional or compassionate circumstances, and in line with the immigration rules.
“Dr Ong’s case has been reviewed following further representations.
“The Home Office has applied to withdraw from the ongoing appeal proceedings and will reconsider his application for indefinite leave to remain.
“UK Visas & Immigration are in direct contact with Dr Ong in relation to his case.”