Allow Emil Bakeev to remain in the UK

Updat Oct 30, 2009: Thank you all very much for your support. We won the case and Emil is staying! (end)

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Thank you very much to all who signed the petition. Emil received a rare same day decision win at the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal. This was strongly supported by your letters and comments and we are very grateful to all of you.

Unbelievably, however, the UK Border and Immigration Agency has decided to appeal against the AIT decision, even though they have no additional evidence to support it. Therefore, Emil remains imprisoned, even though he has already completed his prison sentence. We thank you for your continued support in this matter.

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We are asking for your support to overturn the UK Border Agency decision that Emil Bakeev, a PhD in civil engineering, be deported to the Kyrgyz Republic. Emil is currently in prison for having mistakenly purchased an item on Ebay which, unbeknown to him was considered illegal in the UK.

Prior to this incident, Emil worked as a lead design engineer for an UK water company where he was respected for his professionalism and personal attributes by all his colleagues. All those who know him agree that he has much to offer to the British society and has never had the intention to commit a crime. Emil has lived in the UK since 1997, has held Indefinitely Leave to Remain in the UK since 2007 and intended to become a British Citizen. He has built a life in the UK with his wife, Claudia Bakeev, who is a Brazilian citizen. If deported, his Human Rights for a family life will be breached, as Claudia does not have leave to live in the Kyrgyz Republic. Even if she did, both she and Emil would struggle to find work and re-build their lives.

We appeal to you to show your support, by adding your name to our petition.