Yahoo News 'I've lived here for nearly 50 years - they're saying I'm not British'
A 'local legend' who has been living in the UK for nearly 50 years has been told by the Home Office that he is not a British citizen. Nelson Shardey, 75, who came from Ghana in 1977 to study accountancy, said he cried when he received the life-changing news.
The father-of-three, who ran a newsagents in the Wirral for more than 30 years, applied for a passport to travel to Ghana in 2019 after his mother died. He told the ECHO he was 'shocked' when his application was rejected and he was forced to apply to stay in the UK.
Mr Shardey was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer when he lost his limited leave to remain due to an error in his application for permanent settled status. He faces a 10-year wait until he receives indefinite leave to remain in a process than could cost £18,000.
His family are now raising money for a legal challenge against the Home Office, arguing that his treatment is unfair given the costs involved over the 10-year process. The Home Office has said it would not be appropriate to comment on active legal proceedings.
Speaking to the ECHO, Mr Shardey said: "All along, I regarded myself as a citizen. I had a bank account, I bought everything on credit. Nobody questioned my citizenship. I was called up on jury duty. I don’t see any difference between me and everybody."
He continued: "To be honest with you, I cried indoors when the children weren’t around. I would come out full of smiles as myself. I wouldn’t show it but I was really really shocked."
Mr Shardey was initially granted 2.5 years limited leave to remain and start on a 10-year route to permanent settlement. However due to a mistake renewing this application, he lost his status. He was also undergoing treatment for prostate cancer at the time.
The family were then told to go through the Windrush Scheme in 2022 but this was later rejected. In 2023, the family were told to start the 10-year route to settlement again which could cost £18,000 and result in Mr Shardey not getting citizenship until his mid 80s.
Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit, which is representing the family in its legal challenge against the Home Office, said Mr Shardey's case was “quite unique, not just because of the length of time he has been a resident, but for all he has achieved.”
The family has already raised more than £38,000, nearly double its target. If they lose the challenge they face having to pay the government’s legal fees, but the family have said that if they win, the donations will be given to Wirral Foodbank and the Boaz Trust.
Aaron Shardey, one of Nelson's sons, said: “I was really nervous about asking people to donate, I do not like asking for stuff but I am so overwhelmed. It almost feels like a bit of a dream. I can’t get my head around the reaction it’s received.”
Aaron, who previously worked in the civil service, said: “I had no idea this was going to be what it has become. I would hope that this sends a message. With any policy that is sensitive like immigration and general migration, it’s not a one size fits all approach.
"There are people behind those numbers. That should be the message that is sent to them. The impact this has on the people going through this."
He said nobody contacted his dad to let him know about his status, adding: “People were still arriving lawfully but then their circumstances changed. People just settled and just went about their lives. That is exactly what Dad has done. I would find it astonishing if this was to continue because the reaction speaks for itself.”
Aaron and the family previously said they had repeatedly tried to get help from Wallasey MP Angela Eagle over the case. She told the ECHO that Mr Shardey should be be given permanent status in the UK, adding: “Nelson’s treatment by the Home Office has been appalling, and my sympathies continue to be with him and his family. This is yet another example of an under-resourced Home Office wreaking havoc on an entire family."
She added: “I have long known him as a highly respected and active local community member and business owner. I am disappointed to hear that Nelson and his family feel the support my team have provided has not been sufficient.
"It is certainly true that thus far it has not been successful in resolving his situation. Given that immigration advice is heavily regulated and subject to legal restriction, neither myself nor my staff are able to offer advice on immigration cases, and it is right that Nelson’s case is being dealt with by his legal team who are appropriately qualified to support him."
The fundraiser on the Go Fund Me website can be found here.
