Manikarnika Dutta, a historian and high-achieving academic, faces deportation from the UK for exceeding the allowed 548 days abroad during her 10-year residency period. Conducting research in India, linked to her roles at the University of Oxford and international conferences, led to her absence totaling 691 days. The Home Office's refusal of her indefinite leave application cites lack of family life despite her 10-year marriage to fellow academic Dr. Souvik Naha, highlighting systemic issues affecting international scholars in the UK.
I was shocked when I got an email saying I have to leave," Dutta told the Observer. "I have been employed at different universities in the UK and I've lived here for 12 years."
Dutta was away for 691 days, exceeding the Home Office maximum of 548 days, which has led to the current deportation threat.
The Home Office rejected her right to remain in the country on the basis that she does not have a family life in Britain, despite her long-term marriage.
Dutta first came to the UK in September 2012 on a student visa and later obtained a spouse visa as a dependent of her husband.
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