Home Office will not deport Egyptian man in need of UK medical care

An Egyptian student who has a rare genetic disorder that cannot be treated in his home country says he now has “hope for the future” after the Home Office reversed its decision to deport him. Youssef Mikhaiel, 28, who lives in Glasgow, was due to be deported in June, but the removal was postponed after a ruling at the court of session in Edinburgh. He has been granted leave to remain until April 2026, with officials saying they would exercise discretion in view of his “exceptional circumstances”. Mikhaiel has Fabry disease, a condition in which lipids build up in the body and damage the heart, kidneys and nervous system. Without treatment, which is available in the UK, Mikhaiel’s lifespan is likely to be shortened. Mikhaiel told the Guardian that his consultant would now start lifelengthening treatment, having been reluctant to begin a drug therapy that might be interrupted if his patient was suddenly deported. Mikhaiel is hoping that he and his partner, Sarah Bradley, will now be able to get married as soon as possible. Bradley, 29, who met Mikhaiel in February 2022, said they were “over the moon”. Mikhaiel said: “Now I have a life. I got my degree in aeronautical engineering and I’m now studying for a second degree in cybersecurity. I can start my treatment, continue with my studies and Sarah and I can get married. A new chapter is starting. I have hope for the future.”