Anthony Olubunmi George, a 63-year-old Nigerian man living with disability, has finally secured the right to remain in the United Kingdom after nearly four decades of uncertainty.
George arrived in the UK in 1986 at the age of 24 and has never returned to Nigeria.
Despite living in the country for almost 40 years, he endured years of homelessness and legal struggles after several failed applications to regularize his status.
In 2019, George suffered two strokes that left him with serious speech and mobility difficulties.
His condition worsened due to his reluctance to seek medical help earlier, as he feared exposing his undocumented status.
During his appeal hearing, George explained how he relied on friends for shelter and often slept on different sofas to survive.
The immigration judge described him as destitute and acknowledged that his medical and personal challenges were worsened by years of immigration limbo.
The case became more complicated in 2005 when George’s former solicitors submitted a forged entry stamp in his passport without his knowledge.
Although the solicitor involved was later struck off and reported to authorities, the damage affected George’s applications for years.
After decades of rejection, the UK tribunal finally ruled in his favor, recognizing both his long stay and his health condition.
Speaking after the ruling, an emotional George said:
“I’m so happy I don’t know what to say. My life has just begun again. Before I didn’t have hope, but now by God’s grace I can move forward with my life.”
His lawyer, Naga Kandiah of MTC Solicitors, criticized the Home Office for years of delays and poor decisions, stressing that his client suffered due to both government policy and poor representation from previous legal teams.
“My client has lived in limbo for almost 40 years, suffered two strokes, and has no family left in Nigeria.
Despite our several applications for review, the Home Office forced the matter to a full hearing.
Iam overjoyed with this decision. He has waited almost four decades for justice,” Kandiah said.
The ruling marks the end of a painful chapter in George’s life and offers him a chance to finally rebuild with legal recognition in the UK.