The family of a Sri Lankan man, Sudharsan Ithayachandran, who died following his deportation from the UK, has blamed the Home Office for his death. Ithayachandran, 41, was deported on December 24, 2019, after admitting to using false documents and working illegally at Tesco. He left behind his deaf wife and two children, all British citizens.
Ithayachandran, a member of Sri Lanka’s Tamil community, was deported on his wedding anniversary. A November 2023 immigration tribunal ruling by Judge Bonavero had allowed his appeal, affirming his right to live with his family in the UK. However, the Home Office delayed issuing his return visa, leaving him in precarious conditions in Sri Lanka, according to a report by the International Justice and Truth Project.
On May 19, 2024, Ithayachandran was found collapsed at his accommodation and later died at the hospital. His death is suspected to be due to sepsis, though no medical records confirming this were provided.
The family accused the Home Office of contributing to Ithayachandran’s deep depression and deteriorating health due to the prolonged separation from his children. His mother-in-law, Yasadora Nagendra, described him as “the pillar of the family” and criticized the Home Office for its delay and unfair treatment, believing he would still be alive if not for his deportation.
Naga Kandiah, Ithayachandran’s legal counsel, noted that the tribunal acknowledged his genuine relationship with his children and the undue harshness of living apart from them. Despite winning his case, Ithayachandran died before he could return to his family. Lou Calvey, director of the charity Asylum Matters, called for answers regarding the deportation and subsequent delay in implementing the court ruling.
A Home Office spokesperson responded that deportation orders are considered individually and that responsibility for applying for entry clearance lies with the individual and their representatives after an appeal is allowed.
In a related case, on May 21, 2024, the Home Office faced criticism for planning to forcibly remove Anthony Olubunmi George, a disabled Nigerian man who had lived in the UK for 38 years. George, who suffered two strokes in 2019, faces significant health challenges.
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