Refuge seeker set to be deported from the UK back to Uzbekistan

A man seeking refuge in the UK is about to be deported back to Uzbekistan.  Alexey Kirienko left the country a year ago to be with his mother that has lived in Coventry for over 5 years.  Repeated attempts to obtain a visa that would allow him to stay in the UK have been rejected by immigration officials.   A few weeks ago he was set to return to Uzbekistan but at the last minute officials agreed to hear his appeal for refugee status in the UK.  The appeal was rejected and he is expected to be deported back to Uzbekistan today. 

Alexey Kirienko's mother spoke of the decision by immigration officials.  She said "I am so upset about the decision, it is really terrible. Uzbekistan is dangerous and I am worried about his safety if he goes back there.  Alexey has no friends or family in Uzbekistan, I am here, so is his grandma and his cousins. His father moved to Russia years ago.  I don't know why they won't let him stay, but the solicitor says it would be hopeless to try and appeal again.  While he has been waiting for the government to make a decision over the last year he has volunteered in a refugee centre and also taken GCSEs in English and math.

"When he was stopped at the airport I had hoped that everything would be OK and he would be allowed to stay, but now that has gone.  We are appealing for help from anyone who has been in a similar situation who might know if there is anything else we can do," she added.

When Kirienko was given his last minute chance to appeal for refugee status immigration officials placed him in an immigration detention center until a decision could be reached.

www.homeoffice.gov.uk