Family deportation described as ‘appalling’

The case of a family at risk of deportation because they cannot afford the Home Office fee to process their application has been described as “appalling” by the First Minister.

During First Minister’s Questions yesterday, South of Scotland MSP Emma Harper raised the case involving her constituents, the Sbita family.

The Sbita family – four of whom are under the age of 16 – told Ms Harper they are having to report to police on a weekly basis. They are unable to work, study or make money for themselves as they await deportation to Tunisia as a result of not being able to afford the Home Office fees, which total more than £7,000 for the family.

Ms Sturgeon described the 0 Emma Harper raised the case of the Sbita family

case as an “illustration of Toryrun Britain”.

“It is absolutely shocking and appalling,” the First Minister said. “I am hugely sympathetic to all those, and we’re talking about many people here, who have real difficulties navigating the complex and the increasingly restrictive UK immigration rules.”