Oxford historian facing deportation from UK over extended research trips
What's the story
Manikarnika Dutta, a leading Indian historian who has been associated with the University of Oxford and the University of Bristol, is facing deportation from the UK.
The 37-year-old academic has allegedly breached immigration rules by staying outside the country for too long for her research work.
Dutta's application for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) was rejected by the UK Home Office due to her long stays abroad.
Immigration violation
Dutta's research trips exceed UK immigration limits
According to The Guardian, Dutta has spent 691 days outside the UK, exceeding the maximum limit allowed under British immigration rules.
UK's immigration policy says applicants for ILR on long-term residency cannot have spent over 548 days abroad in a 10-year period.
Though her work is crucial to her field, the Home Office has ordered her to leave the country.
Academic commitment
Dutta's research trips deemed essential for academic obligations
Dutta, an expert in historic Indian archives, came to the UK in 2012 on a student visa. After marriage she changed it to a spouse visa.
Her lawyer argued Dutta had no choice but to travel to India as it was necessary for her studies.
"Without these visits, she would not have been able to complete her thesis or maintain her visa status," he said.
Legal challenge
Home Office maintains stance on Dutta's deportation
Following an administrative review, Dutta was notified by the Home Office that its decision is unchanged.
"You must now leave the United Kingdom. If you don't leave voluntarily, you may be subject to a re-entry ban of 10 years and prosecuted for overstaying," said the official notice.
Her lawyer has now challenged the ruling. The Home Office will re-evaluate its decision within three months.
Personal impact
Dutta expresses shock at deportation notice
Dutta has said she couldn't believe the deportation notice. "I never thought something like this would happen to me."
Her husband, Dr. Souvik Naha, a senior lecturer at the University of Glasgow, echoed how the decision had affected them emotionally.
"This decision from the Home Office has been terribly stressful for both of us," he said.