Izmer back with partner 

DURSLEY, November 17, 2005  –  The gay Algerian known as “Izmer” is back tonight with his partner in Gloucestershire after spending almost a week at the Harmondsworth Immigration Service Removal Centre, near London’s Heathrow Airport.
 

Home Office officials decided today that he could stay in the country for a further six months.

“I am so glad – so grateful,” Izmer said tonight.  “It is so good to be home.”

He explained that he had to report to an immigration officer at Gloucester police station once a month and he could stay in the country until May 17 next year when his position would be reviewed.

Izmer’s partner, Howard Jeans-Seymour emphasised that asylum had not yet been granted.  “His application is still under review – but at least he is home and able to get on with a normal life,” he said.

But “normal” does not include working.  “Izmer is not permitted to take any employment, whether paid or not,” Mr. Jeans-Seymour said.

“Although he would much prefer to support himself, he has been told he has to go onto Social Security benefits.”

Until he is finally allowed to remain permanently in the country, he is asking that his name is not revealed.

“While I am confident that I will be allowed to stay, there is still a chance I might be sent back to Algeria,” he said.

“My friends here in Dursley and the media have been terrific with their support,” he said.  “I just don’t know how to start thanking everyone. But I do want them to know that their support is really appreciated.”

He plans to have a quite weekend at home.

SEE ALSO

November 13:  UK:    “I’m Ashamed To Be British” – Gay Man Fights Deportation of his Algerian Partner.  In this sleepy market town in the Gloucestershire Cotswolds, a gay Englishman is desperately fighting to save his partner from being deported by British Home Office officials to Algeria where he could face death, if tried by a religious court. (UK Gay News, October 13, 2005)

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