A tribunal has ruled that Dardan Hoxhaj, a convicted Albanian drug dealer, can remain in the UK due to the potential emotional and physical harm his deportation would cause his family. Hoxhaj, who was previously deported in 2018 after serving time for drug trafficking, returned to the UK illegally and lived undetected for three years before applying for residency under the EU Settlement Scheme.
His barrister argued that deporting him would be ‘unduly harsh’ on his wife, who suffers from complex PTSD and anxiety after being trafficked. The tribunal heard that Hoxhaj plays a crucial role in supporting her and caring for their son, who has asthma, highlighting the significant impact of his presence on their household.
The Home Office contested the ruling, claiming the tribunal did not apply the correct standard of harshness. However, Judge Fiona Lindsley stated that the tribunal’s decision was justified, noting that social services regarded Hoxhaj’s role as irreplaceable, which influenced the ruling.
This case raises questions about the balance between immigration enforcement and human rights considerations, particularly regarding family welfare. It underscores the complexities of deportation cases where emotional and social factors are weighed against criminal convictions.
Source: LBC News
