Man with Down's syndrome faces deportation

A man with Down’s syndrome who came to Britain in 1997 after being mentally and physically abused in Lebanon and who cannot care for himself faces being deported.

Campaigners have criticised the Home Office for lacking in “compassion and common sense” in the wake of reports that they had refused permission for Wadih Chourey, 44, to stay in the UK.

Mr Chourey is unable to care for himself due to his syndrome and there is no one in Lebanon willing or able to care for him after his parents died in 2010, reports the Richmond and Twickenham Times. He is supported by his two brothers who have not relied on public funds.

He now lives with his brother Camil in Twickenham and his local MP, business secretary Vince Cable, has reportedly intervened in the case, writing to Home Office minister James Brokenshire calling the decision “disgraceful”.

This is a man who cannot cook for himself, who cannot operate a washing machine or use a computer

His welfare is completely dependent on his brothers, who clearly provide a loving and caring home for him yet Home Office lawyers suggest there is nothing compelling or exceptional about the case and assume that Mr Chourey could seamlessly reintegrate into Lebanese life as if he never left.

Labour's shadow immigration minister David Hanson also tweeted he would raise the decision with Mr Brokenshire.

Sunder Katwala, the director of British Future told i100 the Home Office’s decision lacked “compassion and common sense”. “I hope the immigration minister will intervene so Mr Chourey's brothers can continue providing a supportive home for him here, rather than breaking the family up. Regardless of their views on immigration politics and policy, I'm sure most people can agree that's the right thing to do.

“It would be particularly useful if supporters of the government could add their voices to the call for a compassionate and decent response for Mr Chourey and his family.

“It's good to see that local residents are supporting Mr Chourey's case - as they did with Oliver Cameron, whose sister was refused a visa to donate a kidney to her ill brother. Public pressure was crucial in persuading the government to do the right thing then and I hope it could make an important difference here".

Mr Chourey first successfully appealed against deportation under the Human Rights Act earlier this year. But now the Home Office has now challenged that decision. A Home Office spokesperson told i100: "It would be inappropriate to comment while legal proceedings are ongoing.”