AN SNP MP has welcomed the safe return of three of his constituents from war-torn Sudan as he hit out at the immigration system being “not fit for purpose”.
Martyn Day, MP for Linlithgow and East Falkirk, raised the plight of his constituent Mohamed Omar’s children in the House of Commons before Westminster broke up for recess.
Omar’s three sons Gasan, 21, Rslan and Omarbob, both 20, were left unable to collect their visas and passports from the embassy in Sudan after the war broke out in April.
The trio were forced to travel to Ethiopia facing a “long and difficult journey” before finally making it to Scotland.
Day was contacted by Omar after the conflict between the Sudanese army and a powerful paramilitary group known as the Rapid Support Forces escalated earlier this year, and his three sons had found themselves stranded in the African nation amid a bloody conflict.
“It was a pleasure to meet Mr Omar and his three sons yesterday and finally warmly welcome them to Scotland,” Day said.
“His sons were stranded in Sudan at the start of the war and spent an arduous journey travelling through Sudan to safety in Ethiopia before travelling onto Scotland.
“I cannot imagine the hardships they must have faced whilst walking hundreds of miles under such terrible conditions.
“The boys are truly remarkable, and it would be remiss of me not to mention their bravery during their horrendous journey.”
Day said it was “regrettable” that he had to raise their plight to the Leader of the House before “any decisive action was taken”.
“However, I am grateful that my team, together with Home Office officials, were able to navigate a challenging immigration system that is clearly not fit for purpose,” he added.
“They worked tirelessly to ensure that Mr Omar's sons were granted the assistance they needed, allowing them to reunite with their family in Scotland.
“Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the privilege we have in enjoying our freedom and safety, and how we must continuously strive for an immigration system that supports those who find themselves caught up in conflict.”
Raising the issue in the House of Commons on June 29, Day told MPs that after a long and difficult journey the trio had been left “malnourished, out of money and in need of medical treatment”, as well as being left waiting two weeks for a visa vignette, which allows for travel to the UK.
Day said: “I have been told repeatedly that there is no timescale for the issuing of that. Will the Leader of the House please ask the Home Secretary to make an urgent intervention in this case and make a statement to give us a timescale for future such cases?”
In response, Leader of the House Penny Mordaunt said: “I am very sorry to hear about the case that the hon. Gentleman raises.
“He will know that we have Home Office questions on Monday. However, following this session, I shall make sure that he has the contact details of the Home Office official who is overseeing these bespoke surgeries for Members. I encourage him to set up such a meeting today.”
