An international student belonging to Haryana, India, has secured £22,500 in damages from the UK Home Office after being unlawfully detained for 27 days.
The settlement followed judicial review proceedings in the King’s Bench Division of the High Court of Justice and compensates the student for loss of liberty, emotional distress and loss of opportunity.
Background of the Case
The student was lawfully present in the UK on a study visa when immigration enforcement officers carried out a raid at his workplace on 13 November 2024. Allegations were made that he had worked more than the 20‑hour weekly limit for international students.
His visa was immediately cancelled, and he was detained on the same day.
Removal directions were later issued on 21 November 2024 for his return to India. He remained detained in an immigration removal centre until 9 December 2024, when the Home Office reinstated his visa. The student was released from detention the following day, 10 December 2024.
Judicial Review and Settlement
The cancellation of the visa, the removal directions, and the detention were challenged through judicial review by Nara Solicitors.
During settlement negotiations, the Home Office initially offered £17,500 in damages but Nara Solicitors pressed for a higher settlement and successfully secured £22,500. The Home Office also agreed to pay the legal costs in addition to the damages.
Significance of the Outcome
This case demonstrates the vital role judicial review plays in protecting individuals against unlawful detention and highlights the avenues available to seek redress when enforcement action has been taken unfairly.
For international students, it serves as an example of how timely legal intervention can safeguard their status and future in the UK.
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