Doctor could be deported, despite having job in Scotland
A doctor, who has secured a job in Scotland, could be deported after he was detained at Edinburgh Airport - friends believe it could come down to a simple admin mistake
Last updated 3rd Aug 2022
A doctor, who qualified in the UK and worked here during Covid, could be deported - despite having secure a job in Scotland.
The man, who we are keeping anonymous, was detained last night (August 2nd) at Edinburgh Airport after returning from a holiday.
He had spent the last year working in his home country, but decided to return to Scotland.
Delays in the health board applying for his VISA meant he had been given approval to arrive in the UK on an initial visitors VISA.
The Doctor then would have only begun work once his full right to work in the UK had come through.
But on arrival to Edinburgh Airport the man was told his visitors VISA had been revoked, as immigration officers believe he'd attempt to work without the full documents.
Friends of the Doctor tell us this would be impossible, as the NHS would not allow staff to begin working without it.
Lewis Thomas Hughes, who trained with the man, posted to Twitter to look for help.
He told us:
"He just wants to get back to seeing patients and doing what he does.
"It's simply impossible for a doctor to start work (Without a full VISA) because the NHS won't allow you to, because they realise there is significant legal complications for themselves."
Lewis says his friend initially had his phone taken from him and wasn't allowed any contact, and although the Doctor has now been released and given his phone back, there is still a worry he could be forced to leave.
He said:
"He did get his phone back, we were able to be in touch and he was released around mid-night because they said they couldn't legally detain him any longer.
"They have said that they will deport him to his last port of call on Saturday, so that's the real deadline we have."
A number of politicans have been in touch with Lewis to try and help, but as of yet they've had no answers.
We've contacted the Home Office to ask for comment.