Indian historian at Oxford University faces deportation from UK

 Indian historian at Oxford University faces deportation from UK

Manikarnika Dutta, a 37-year-old historian affiliated with the University of Oxford, is currently facing deportation from the United Kingdom. The UK's Home Office has rejected her application for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), citing that she exceeded the permitted number of days abroad during a 10-year period. Specifically, while the rules allow for a maximum of 548 days outside the UK, Dutta spent 691 days abroad, primarily conducting essential research in India.

 

Dutta first arrived in the UK in September 2012 on a student visa to pursue a master's degree at the University of Oxford. She later transitioned to a spouse visa, accompanying her husband, Dr. Souvik Naha, a senior lecturer at the University of Glasgow. The couple has been married for over a decade and resides together in south London. 

In October 2024, Dutta applied for ILR based on her long-term residency. Despite her husband's application being approved, hers was denied due to the excess days spent abroad. The Home Office also contended that she does not have a family life in the UK, overlooking her longstanding marriage and residence with her husband. 

The research trips that contributed to her extended absences were integral to her academic responsibilities, involving access to archives in India and participation in international conferences. Her lawyer, Naga Kandiah, emphasized that these trips were essential for fulfilling her academic obligations and maintaining her visa status. 

Dutta has expressed shock over the decision, highlighting her 12-year residence in the UK and her significant academic contributions. Her husband described the situation as "terribly stressful," noting its psychological toll on both of them. 

Following a legal challenge, the Home Office has agreed to reconsider its decision within three months. However, Dutta remains in a state of uncertainty, facing the possibility of a 10-year re-entry ban and prosecution for overstaying if the original decision is upheld. 

This case has sparked concerns within the academic community about the UK's ability to attract and retain global talent, especially when essential research activities lead to such immigration challenges. Critics argue that rigid enforcement of absence limits without considering the nature of academic work could deter scholars from contributing to UK institutions.