'Neglected' Fijian Veteran Granted Indefinite Leave To Remain In The UK

An ex-serviceman who was in the British Army for 12 years has been granted "indefinite leave" to remain in the UK after his citizenship application was rejected twice.

Sam Cataki, originally from Fiji, lost his job at Milford Haven Port Authority while his application for indefinite leave to remain was being considered by the Home Office.

Jonathan Sutton, who set up a petition to support the former soldier, announced the good news in an update on the page:

"Delighted to hear from Sam tonight and discover that as of today he has been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain in the United Kingdom.

"Another huge step in the quest for Citizenship. Thanks to everyone who has pushed this into the public eye!"

Campaigners are now focusing on helping other ex-servicemen and women in the same situation.

Mr Cataki, who lives in Pembrokeshire with his family, told BBC he spent about £5,000 on visas and he was worried that being unemployed would make it difficult for him to reapply.

The father-of-two joined the Armed Forces in 2001 and applied for citizenship for the first time before he left the Army in 2013.

Mr Cataki said he believed he was first rejected because of three points on his driving licence.

The 36-year-old was given further leave to remain until his points cleared and told he would then be able to re-apply for citizenship:

"I applied again last year but that's when they told me it was void. They're telling me to re-apply for settlement [with] Armed Forces indefinite leave to remain but I'm still waiting," he said.

"After serving they should be giving more to ex-servicemen but it's like they have neglected and left me. They thank you for your service and then you're forgotten about."

At the time, the Home Office was contacted for comment by BBC but did not respond.

The former soldier came to the UK in 2002 and joined the Royal Army Dental Corps as a dental support specialist. 

Cover picture courtesy of Change.org.