Thousands Come Out in Support of a Pakistani Doctor in UK Facing Deportation

A massive campaign has broken out against the deportation of a Pakistani doctor from England.

Dr. Syed Kazmi has worked at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham for nine years since he moved to the UK from Pakistan.

Colleagues describe him as “hardworking and dedicated” and supporters call him an “amazing” doctor who would go out of his way to help patients.

Being Deported Over a Mere Technicality

A failed business venture in 2011 by Dr. Kazmi led to a Revenue and Customs tax issue. Because of this, the Home Office has blocked Dr. Kazmi’s visa from getting renewed.

He does not have the right of appeal, a matter that makes the case worse, but he has stressed that the issue had been settled in full and that it was not a criminal case. He posted his feelings on social media:

I feel like all my nine years spent in the UK as a fully law-abiding citizen – regular taxpayer – positively contributing to society and progressing my medical career was not enough to convince the Home Office of my credibility.

And just one event – which I’m trying to remedy as much as possible – has made the Home Office consider me an untrustworthy person.

Petition Launched to Reverse the Injustice Done to Dr Kazmi 

A petition has been launched, calling for the Home Office (and the UK government) to rethink Dr Kazmi’s deportation.

Till the filing of this report, the petition has already being signed by 19,423 people.

According to the petition, Dr Kazmi’s supporters in the National Health Service in UK had this to say about him:

This man contributes massively to our society and economy. Would a country like Australia rid themselves of such a commodity?

When the National Health Service (NHS) is as stretched as it is, we should do all that we can to keep good and caring doctors like Syed.

As NHS members of staff, we should be aware that any of our colleagues could face the same challenges while we struggle with efficiency savings and safe staff.

Dr. David Nicholl, a colleague of Dr. Kazmi, blames his good character and simplicity.

“If he hadn’t been so honest about his tax returns,” he says, “the Home Office would have issued him a visa.” He added that Dr. Kazmi’s MP must contact the Home Office immediately to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

Dr. Khalid Mehmood, the MP, said that the issue was being dealt with and that he was trying his best to get it resolved.

One well-wisher, Robert Dyson said the issue was “beyond sensible”. “Even in a system of managed migration, this is the person we want hundred percent,” he said.

Colleagues, former patients and friends alike understand the gravity of the issue and are constantly sending love and good wishes to Dr. Kazmi and his family. His deportation has also been campaigned against by the popular children’s author Michael Rosen.

It is hoped that better sense prevails and Dr. Kazmi’s deportation is overturned in what is seeemingly a minor issue.



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