The UK Home Office has come under scrutiny following the death of Sudharsan Ithayachandran, a 41-year-old Sri Lankan man, after his deportation.
Ithayachandran, who admitted to using false documents and working illegally at Tesco, was deported on December 24, 2019, leaving behind his deaf wife, Subatra, and two young children, all of whom are British citizens. His deportation coincided with his wedding anniversary.
Ithayachandran, a Tamil from Sri Lanka, had won an appeal in November 2023 that allowed him to return to the UK to be with his family.
However, the Home Office delayed issuing his return visa for several months. This delay forced him to live in precarious conditions, contributing to his deep depression and poor health.
According to the International Justice and Truth Project report, “Disappearance, Torture and Sexual Violence of Tamils 2015 – 2022,” Ithayachandran’s health deteriorated significantly due to the separation from his family and the harsh living conditions in Sri Lanka.
Despite legal action taken by Naga Kandiah of MTC Solicitors against the Home Office over the visa delay, Ithayachandran was found collapsed on May 19, 2024, and later died in the hospital, reportedly from sepsis.
His family, particularly his mother-in-law, Yasadora Nagendra, has blamed the Home Office for his death, citing the severe depression and neglect he suffered due to his prolonged separation from his family. Nagendra described him as “the pillar of the family,” whose death has left an irreplaceable void.
Lou Calvey, director of Asylum Matters, called for serious inquiries into why Ithayachandran was deported despite having clear rights to remain and why the Home Office delayed executing the tribunal’s ruling.
The Home Office, in response, stated that deportation orders are considered on a case-by-case basis, and once an appeal is allowed, the responsibility for re-entry applications lies with the individual and their representatives.
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