The UK Home Office faces criticism following the death of Sudharsan Ithayachandran, a Sri Lankan man deported to his home country.
Ithayachandran, 41, confessed to using false documents and working illegally at the British multinational retailer Tesco. He was deported from the UK on December 24, 2019, leaving behind his deaf wife, Subatra, and their two children, aged eight and nine, all of whom are British citizens. Tragically, the deportation date coincided with his wedding anniversary.
Ithayachandran hailed from the Tamil heritage in Sri Lanka.
A report by the International Justice and Truth project titled “Disappearance, torture and sexual violence of Tamils 2015 – 2022” revealed that the Home Office delayed issuing a return visa to Ithayachandran for several months after an immigration tribunal ruling in November 2023 had accepted his appeal, recognizing his right to live with his family in the UK.
Legal proceedings were initiated against the Home Office by Naga Kandiah, a legal counsel from MTC Solicitors, due to the delay in issuing the return visa. However, on May 19, 2024, Ithayachandran was found collapsed at his accommodation in Sri Lanka and passed away after being taken to the hospital. His cause of death is suspected to be sepsis.
The family attributed Ithayachandran’s deteriorating mental health to his separation from his children, leading to depression and neglect of his well-being. His mother-in-law, Yasadora Nagendra, described him as “the pillar of the family” and blamed the Home Office for his death, stating that he would still be alive if not for the deportation.
Lou Calvey, the director of charity organization Asylum Matters, raised concerns about the case, questioning why Ithayachandran was deported despite clear rights to remain in the UK and why there was a delay in implementing the court ruling reversing the deportation.
A spokesperson from the Home Office responded, stating that deportation orders are considered on a case-by-case basis and that responsibility for applying for entry clearance to the UK lies with the individual and their representatives.
