A Bahraini human rights defender, Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei, in exile in the UK, accuses the FCDO of unlawfully obstructing his British citizenship application for three years. Alwadaei, a Bahraini dissident granted refugee status in the UK, has been stateless since 2015 and applied for citizenship in May 2021. However, the Home Office has delayed the decision, with the Foreign Office advising against granting citizenship due to potential strain on UK-Bahrain relations.
“The UK is my home after fleeing torture and imprisonment in Bahrain. The delays from the UK Foreign Office are shocking,” Alwadaei expressed. The disclosure revealed the FCDO had attempted to block his citizenship, fearing legal challenges if rejection occurred. Despite meeting all legal requirements, Alwadaei has yet to receive a decision.
‘Rewarding abusive states’
Alwadaei has set to challenge the Foreign Office for full disclosure, as the Home Office missed deadlines and extended the decision timeline. His lawyers may resort to legal action against the Home Office. Alwadaei emphasizes the need for human rights to be prioritized over bilateral concerns with oppressive states impacting immigration decisions.
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