Charity chief’s joy at visa uturn for father
JONATHAN GEDDES
A Rutherglen charity boss has spoken of his joy after winning a battle with the Home Office to let his father into the country.
Last week the Reformer told how Sabir Zazai, who runs the Glasgow Refugee Council and stays in Rutherglen, was to receive an honorary doctorate from Glasgow University.
However his father Mohammad Zahir Zazai was refused permission to enter the country for the ceremony.
The decision was strongly criticized by politicians at both Westminster and Holyrood, and the Home Office has now reversed its decision.
Mr Zazai said: “I left my family in Afghanistan twenty years ago in search of safety. This is a huge moment for me to be reunited with my dad on such a special occasion and for him to see my children for the first time.
“I’m relieved that humanity prevailed in this decision and that someone somewhere in the Home Office understood that behind every ‘case’ are individual families, and the ties that bind parents and children are the same no matter what part of the world we are from.
“I believe so strongly that humanity needs to be built into the decision-making process throughout the asylum and immigration system.
“I’ve been overwhelmed by the support and solidarity people have shown me and am very grateful for it. But immigration and asylum decisions are so important and affect people’s lives so deeply that the system should not be dependent on public and media intervention.”
Mohammad Zahir Zazai has been refused entry to the UK three times over the past eight years.
The Home Office u-turn was welcomed by Rutherglen MP Ged Killen, who had raised the issue in parliament.
He said: “I am sure it is a great relief after a tumultuous time for the family.
“My team has been haranguing the Home Office day and night on Mr Zazai’s behalf, and I was happy to raise his case in Westminster last week.
“The original decision was cruel and wrong, and shows exactly why we must fight against the hostile environment created by the Home Office.”
Further support came from Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, principal and vicechancellor of Glasgow University.
He said: “We are delighted the Home Office has reversed its earlier decision and that the father of Sabir Zazai will now be able join us at the University of Glasgow to watch his son being conferred with an honorary doctorate for services to civil society.
“We look forward to welcoming Sabir, his father Mohammad and family to the university.”
A Home Office spokesperson said: “We have been in touch with Mr Zazai’s sponsor to gather further information regarding the application.
“As a result, we have reviewed our decision and will be issuing Mr Zazai with a visa.”