Sri Lankan mother wins UK appeal to have asylum claim reheard

A Sri Lankan mother has won her appeal in the UK to have her asylum claim reheard after arguing that her severe depression makes her unfit to fly.

The woman, who entered the UK in 2021, claimed she would face persecution in Sri Lanka due to her family’s links to the Tamil Tigers. She told the tribunal she feared arrest upon arrival if deported, and that her mental health and fear of persecution would create “very significant obstacles” to reintegration.

A first-tier tribunal had rejected her claim, questioning her credibility and suggesting she could be escorted by one of her four daughters. However, her appeal was supported by a psychiatric report diagnosing her with recurrent depressive disorder and noting severe anxiety and suicide risk.

Deputy upper tribunal Judge Haria ruled that the lower tribunal erred by failing to properly consider the medical evidence. The case has been set aside and will be reheard in full. (Newswire)