Nearly 50 Years Later, Man Finally Granted Right to Stay in UK
A Half-Century Journey: From Ghana to Britain
Nelson Shardey, a 74-year-old retired shopkeeper from Wallasey, Wirral, has lived in the UK since 1977. Originally from Ghana, he arrived as a student but found himself unable to return due to political upheaval in his home country.
Unexpected Citizenship Crisis
In 2019, after 42 years in the UK, Shardey was shocked to learn he had no legal right to live in the country he considered home. This revelation came when he applied for a passport to visit Ghana following his mother's death.
A Life Built in Britain
Work and Family
- Held various jobs, including roles in food production
- Married twice to British women
- Ran his own newsagent business, "Nelson's News"
- Father to two British-born sons, Jacob and Aaron
Community Contribution
- Received a police bravery award in 2007 for tackling an armed robber
The Fight for Recognition
Legal Battle
- Faced potential deportation and expensive settlement fees
- Argued for exceptional treatment based on long residency and community service
- Raised over £48,000 for legal costs through public support
Home Office Decision
- Granted indefinite leave to remain
- Application fee waived
- Recognized as an "exceptional" case
Victory and Gratitude
Shardey expressed overwhelming happiness and relief at the decision. His family plans to donate the raised funds to three charities: The Boaz Trust, Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, and Wirral Foodbank.
Calls for System Reform
Despite this individual victory, Shardey and his supporters hope to see broader changes in the UK's immigration system, particularly regarding the "10-year route" to settlement.
As the Home Office processes Shardey's indefinite leave to remain, his case highlights the complexities and potential injustices within the current immigration framework, prompting calls for a more humane and streamlined approach.
