Heather, a British citizen, and her Afghan husband are campaigning to stay in Britain. Although they are happily married and settled, the Home Office have refused to grant permission for Shah to stay in the UK. They plan to send him back to Afghanistan where he could face persecution and danger.

Shah came to the UK in August 2001, seeking refuge from local Taliban forces. He claimed asylum on arrival. As his original firm of solicitors failed to submit his statement of evidence to the Home Office, his plea for asylum was refused without his case having been heard. Since February 2003 he has had no government support, although he is prohibited from working. Heather is fully supporting him although he is ready to work as soon as he is given permission. After being dispersed to Liverpool he and Heather met and fell in love. Following a year-long engagement they were married in July 2004.

Even though Heather and Shah's commitment to each other has not been questioned, Shah's asylum case was refused in July 2005. He now faces deportation if the appeal over this decision is turned down. In the refusal letter, the Home Office stated that Shah's removal to Afghanistan will not interfere with [his] family life as Heather can accompany him to Afghanistan, and as a result there will be no breach of Article 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights. This is an astonishing statement as the Foreign Office strongly advises against British citizens travelling to Afghanistan due to the high risks of terrorism, kidnappings and suicide bombings. No consideration was taken by the Home Office of the extreme dangers and difficulties a Western woman living in Afghanistan would face.

If she lived in Afghanistan, Heather's life would be at risk. She would have to give up her way of life and her religious freedom. She would not be able to find employment in her current field. It is uncertain what would happen to Shah and Heather given the current security climate in Afghanistan. There is no facility for issuing entry visas from the British Embassy in Afghanistan, creating an insurmountable obstacle to Shah's being able to apply to return to the UK.

Another great concern for Heather is that she would have to leave her job to accompany Shah. She is a senior Occupational Therapist in a key role that directly impacts on the Trust's waiting list figures and hospital discharges. She is also a UNISON steward. There are national and local shortages of trained therapists, therefore this decision by the Home Office does not make any sense. Shah and Heather are model citizens who are regarded by friends and colleagues in the highest esteem. They both have strong faiths. Heather is a regular communicant at her local church and Shah attends his mosque for Friday prayers.

Heather and Shah are due to go to the civil immigration court on 9 August 2005. Heather, Shah and their friends and supporters in Liverpool have set up a campaign to try and persuade Tony McNulty, Minister for Immigration to allow them to remain in the UK. Throughout this campaign we aim to put pressure on the Home Office and to inform people of the way immigration control is handled in this country: dividing families and couples with no regard for the human rights or private lives of those involved. Please offer your support to ensure that Heather and Shah get the outcome their welfare depends on (click here)