A mother is making an emotional plea to the UK Home Office to prevent her family from being separated after receiving a deportation notice with a 14-day deadline. Chamila Dilrakshi, a teaching assistant, and her three children are facing the possibility of being sent back to Sri Lanka while her husband is allowed to remain in the UK. The family has resided in the country since 2022, but recent visa regulation changes introduced by the Conservative government have put their stay at risk.
Expressing her distress, Chamila, 45, shared her shock at the news of having to leave despite their legal entry into the UK. She emphasized the impact on her children, aged 12, nine, and eight, who have established their lives in the UK, stating that uprooting them would be extremely stressful. Highlighting the unfairness of the situation where only she and her children are required to leave while her husband can stay, she raised concerns about the emotional well-being of their family and urged the Home Office to consider their positive contributions to the community.
Their local MP, Victoria Collins, described the family as integral members of the community who have received overwhelming support. She criticized the current immigration system for its lack of fairness and the detrimental effects it has on those who are actively contributing to society.
The family’s journey to the UK began four years ago when Rasika pursued a Master’s degree at Northumbria University, eventually transitioning into a care worker role near their home in Hertfordshire. While Rasika secured a visa earlier this year through a sponsorship from a care home, the rest of the family now faces uncertainty due to stricter rules regarding dependents.
Colleagues of Chamila have rallied behind her, advocating for her right to remain in the UK as the family appeals the decision. However, recent changes in visa policies have impacted care workers and their families, prompting criticism from migrant support groups. Fizza Qureshi of Migrants’ Rights Network emphasized the need for a more humane approach towards migrant workers, particularly those in essential sectors like healthcare.
In response to the situation, the Home Office has stated its commitment to welcoming individuals who contribute positively to the country while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining border control. The government aims to implement significant legal migration reforms to address challenges posed by previous migration levels, emphasizing the requirement for individuals to earn the privilege of settling in the UK through adherence to established rules and contributions to society.