Home Office Denied Appeal in Migrant Deportation Case: A Legal Tug-of-War Ensues

High Court Ruling Stands

The Home Office has faced a setback as it was denied permission to appeal against a High Court ruling that temporarily halted the deportation of an Eritrean man to France. Mr. Justice Sheldon previously granted a 14-day window for the man to argue that he is a victim of modern slavery.

Legal Arms Race

On Tuesday, the Home Office's legal team attempted to challenge this ruling at the Court of Appeal, but Lord Justice Arnold and his colleagues shot down the appeal, stating that the original judge made no errors in his ruling.

Policy Under Scrutiny

Interestingly, the guidance concerning deportations was altered just a day after the High Court's decision, raising eyebrows about the timing. The new policy means that individuals being deported can no longer appeal decisions from the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) while in transit, but must instead do so from another country, like France.

What's Next?

The man was scheduled to be deported on September 17 under the controversial agreement that allows the UK to send asylum seekers back to France in exchange for other approved applicants. However, Mr. Justice Sheldon hinted at the serious issues at play regarding the trafficking claims and the Secretary of State's investigative responsibilities.

Public Interest at Stake

During the hearing, arguments were made that the case poses significant public importance due to the broader implications of the policy aimed at deterring small boat journeys across the English Channel. Yet, the judge's decision to grant interim relief has been criticized for potentially undermining this central policy objective.