Lynda Mahabir’s family to reunite in the UK without facing hefty immigration fees following court ruling.
In a landmark ruling, the High Court has declared that the Home Office unlawfully prevented the family of Lynda Mahabir, a member of the Windrush generation, from joining her in the UK, a separation that lasted nearly three years. The court described the action as a “colossal interference” in her right to family life, which has now been rectified.
Mahabir, a 52-year-old Trinidadian national, was brought to the UK as a baby in 1969 but was taken back to Trinidad by her father in 1977. Despite her eligibility for British citizenship, she remained unaware of her rights, which led to her being separated from her mother and half-siblings for more than 40 years. The family’s reunion became further complicated when the Home Office’s controversial immigration policies came to light in 2018, leading to a public outcry and government promises to address the injustices faced by the Windrush generation.
Now, following the court ruling, Mahabir’s family will be allowed to join her in the UK without having to pay the exorbitant immigration fees that had previously been a barrier. This case is seen as a significant victory for others in the Windrush generation who may have faced similar obstacles in reuniting with their families.
