A Sri Lankan family living legally in the UK has been asked to leave their children.
A Sri Lankan family living legally in the UK has been told that their two young children must leave the country even though their mother has permission to stay until 2031, according to a report by The Guardian.The case concerns Faruni Arashchiji, a care worker based in Perth, Scotland, whose visa was extended by the Home Office. However, her husband and two children, aged eight and five, have reportedly been instructed to leave the UK despite having lived in the country legally since 2022.Arashchiji told the Guardian that the family complied with immigration rules, paid visa fees and taxes, and set up their lives in Scotland, where the children go to school.“We have been legally living in the UK since arriving here on Christmas Day 2022,” she said.“My visa was extended by the Ministry of Interior until 2031. But my husband and children who I support were asked to leave the country.”The family arrived in Britain under visa rules that allowed overseas care workers to bring partners and children as dependents. These rules were tightened in March 2024 as part of wider government efforts to reduce migration.
The case raised concerns because the family entered the UK before the restrictions came into effect.Another Sri Lankan care worker, Rasika Samarasinghe, said his wife and three children were refused permission to stay despite the family following immigration requirements.“We did everything legally in this country and paid every tax,” Samarasinghe said.“My children are all settled and doing well in school.
The youngest speaks and writes only in English.”In response to the issue, a Home Office spokesperson said the government was moving forward with plans to reduce immigration and reform the legal immigration system.“We will always welcome those who contribute to this country and want to build a better life here. But we must restore order and control of our borders,” the spokesman said.
