Historian Faces Deportation from UK for Research in India
Manikarnika Dutta, a 37-year-old historian, is facing the threat of deportation from the UK due to spending an excessive amount of time conducting research in India. Her work required access to historic Indian archives that are stored in the country. Dutta’s academic achievements have been substantial, with her research being a vital part of her commitments to the University of Oxford. This involved studying archives in various cities in India and attending multiple international conferences.
Challenges with Home Office Rules
The Home Office regulations stipulate that individuals applying for indefinite leave to remain in the UK based on long residency of 10 years or more are allowed to be abroad for a maximum of 548 days within a 10-year period before applying for indefinite leave. Dutta, however, was away for 691 days, exceeding the limit. This issue is not unique to her, as other academics have also faced similar challenges with the Home Office regarding the amount of time spent abroad.
Beyond the time spent abroad, the Home Office also rejected Dutta’s right to continue living in the UK on the grounds that she does not have a family life in the country. This decision was made despite the fact that Dutta has been married to her husband, Dr. Souvik Naha, for over 10 years and they reside together in south London.
Personal Impact and Legal Battleground
The news of potential deportation came as a shock to Dutta, who expressed her disbelief and distress over the situation. She has been employed at various universities in the UK and has called the country home for 12 years. Dutta’s journey in the UK began when she arrived at the University of Oxford to pursue her master’s degree. The recent turn of events has left her in a state of uncertainty and disbelief.
Dutta’s husband, Dr. Naha, shared his perspective on the situation, highlighting the immense stress and emotional toll it has taken on both of them. As fellow academics, they never imagined facing such a predicament, despite being well-versed in the challenges that others have encountered.
Legal Action and Ongoing Uncertainty
In response to the Home Office’s decision, Dutta’s lawyer, Naga Kandiah, has initiated a legal challenge to contest her removal from the UK. The Home Office has indicated that it will review its decision in the next three months, leaving Dutta in a state of limbo until a final determination is made. Kandiah emphasized the broader implications of such situations on the UK’s academic landscape and its ability to attract and retain global talent.
The Home Office has maintained its stance of not commenting on individual cases, including Dutta’s. The uncertainty surrounding her future in the UK underscores the challenges faced by academics and researchers seeking to contribute to the academic community while navigating complex residency regulations.
In conclusion, Manikarnika Dutta’s case sheds light on the intricate intersection of academic research, residency regulations, and personal livelihood. As she awaits the outcome of the legal challenge against her deportation, the broader implications of such decisions on the academic community and the UK’s reputation as a hub for global talent remain under scrutiny.