Full Breakdown
Albanian Migrant Wins Appeal to Remain in Britain Citing Son's Dietary Needs
3/19/2026, 8:05:23 PM
Overview of the Case
Klevis Disha, a 39-year-old Albanian migrant, has successfully appealed against his deportation from the United Kingdom, primarily arguing that his son, referred to as "C," has special dietary needs that would be adversely affected by a move to Albania. Disha entered the UK illegally in February 2001 as a minor, using a false identity and claiming to be from the former Yugoslavia. Despite his initial asylum claim being rejected, he obtained UK citizenship in 2007 through exceptional leave to remain.
Legal Proceedings and Rulings
Disha's legal troubles intensified after he was jailed for two years for possessing £250,000 in cash, believed to be proceeds of crime. Following his release, then-Home Secretary Dame Priti Patel ordered his deportation and revoked his citizenship, citing that it was acquired through deception. However, Disha's appeal against deportation was initially successful in 2019, with a ruling that he could not be deported on human rights grounds.
In a recent ruling by First Tier Tribunal Judge Linda Veloso, Disha was granted the right to remain in the UK. The judge cited Article 8 of the Human Rights Act, emphasizing that deportation would be "unduly harsh" for his son, who has a limited diet and struggles with certain food textures. The judge dismissed the Home Office's claims that C had not been formally diagnosed with autism and noted that he received essential support from his school.
Official Statements & Responses
The Home Office expressed its intention to "actively consider" the tribunal's judgment and is exploring options for an onward appeal. A spokesperson stated, "We continue to explore all options in relation to an onward appeal."
Criticism has emerged from political figures regarding the ruling. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticized the case, claiming it exemplifies how "bogus asylum seekers and foreign criminals" exploit human rights laws to remain in the UK. He stated, "common sense clearly shows they should be kicked out." Similarly, then-Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick described the ruling as "mind-boggling" and "ludicrous."
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are discrepancies regarding the status of C's autism diagnosis, with the Home Office asserting that he has not been formally diagnosed, while the tribunal ruling suggests otherwise. Additionally, the number of asylum appeals awaiting resolution has significantly increased, with 80,333 cases reported as pending in December 2025, more than double the figure from December 2024.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Disha's deportation would be unduly harsh for C,” — Judge Linda Veloso
- “This case shows how bogus asylum seekers and foreign criminals are ruthlessly exploiting human rights laws and weak judges to stay in the UK when common sense clearly shows they should be kicked out.” — Chris Philp, Shadow Home Secretary
- “ludicrous that a judge would entertain it” — Robert Jenrick, then-Shadow Justice Secretary
