'I’ve Been Told I’m Not A British Citizen & Need To Pay To Stay In The UK’ | This Morning

Retired 74-year-old newsagent Nelson Shardey has spent most of his life in the UK, but now almost 50 years after he emigrated from Ghana, the Home Office has told him he isn’t a British citizen. Despite the fact Nelson has been paying taxes since 1977, started a family, performed jury service, and even won a bravery award for stopping a robbery, he has been told due to a technicality he faces a costly and lengthy route to remain in the UK. A crowd-funding campaign to help the Wirral local has now amassed almost £40,000, so today Nelson joins us in the studio alongside his son Jacob as he desperately fights to remain in the country he’s called home most of his life.
Broadcast on 22/05/2024
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[@Enceladus007]

The home office need to concentrate on new arrivals and not people who have been here for 50 years

[@CharlesOnikosi-ql5sb]

Leave the home office out of this. Rwanda will a welcoming home for him. Raising funds for his survival is the next option. I would like to meet him, to see how we can help in London amongst best wishers. Unless something else in contraction to the British constitution is at play then he would return to another country as a refugee from England. If you have to go, you have to go. Who cares but his immediate family, and friends.

[@jessybrown5716]

Correct. They should concentrate on new arrivals. He could have sorted his residency following the law instead of just ignoring it carrying on as if the law doesn't exist. Best of luck to him and family.

[@COJIMVICTORIADALY]

Brother this is spiritual. Wacth Cojim, you will get your passport oooh GOD IS GOOD OOH SHALOOOM GOD BLESS YOU

[@pinky-ud1rt]

Amen

[@MrSteadfast]

​@CharlesOnikosi-ql5sb As soon as I watched the video, I knew I would find a heartless person in the comment section like you. I pray that God forgives you and that He shows you His presence, so you could learn to love other people as you love yourself.

[@yasminogbu8929]

I’m so glad they’ve given this gentleman a platform to speak ❤️

[@yiayiak8195]

Yes, a typical example of having your cake and eat it too. To many people like this. There are people who have died trying to get to freedom. Times have changed. The world is getting smaller, so put or back to your country

[@Zazezoo]

@@yiayiak8195you need to crawl back into your bubble instead of spew nonsense that’s not benefitting yourself nor anyone els e🥴

[@yiayiak8195]

@@Zazezoo Bubble‼️ ha, this is a supposedly an intelligent man, 50 yrs. I do not buy it. There is an hidden adjenda

[@preciousjewels2468]

Jury service and not a citizen? How is that even possible?

[@IngramPetersJr-nr7rm]

Someone didn't check...

[@beammeupscottyny]

Exactly

[@CharlesOnikosi-ql5sb]

He's just a statistic at the mercy of judiciary system.

[@mariahash50990]

I did jury service as a dutch citizen its possible

[@grieffoundation8451]

It’s likely based on a local census database such as council tax. So anyone can be called, but you are expected to disqualify yourself it you do not meet citizenship criteria

[@judyrussell1853]

I am disgusted! Britain is so broken! This man came here in his youth. Worked, paid taxes, national insurance, and that's how he's treated. Nelson, you have every right to remain here. Let me donate to your Go Fund me page.

[@adamweisshaup]

None of this entitles someone to a right to stay in the UK.

[@donnabeuth3193]

Ok,but the authorities should have dealt with his situation a long time ago imo

[@stephfoxwell4620]

Yes. But not to call himself British.

[@user-en1zc5vd6y]

@@donnabeuth3193I think it’s negligence on the authorities part. But being the amazing person that he is you can tell he’s gracious about it, not sour

[@dhsf5937]

He didn't apply,not the government's fault.

[@martinataylor7702]

Sorry but i really don't understand how we have people coming in to uk and getting help from the government. And this man has lived here for 50year and ended up having his own business and now they are telling him he's got to go . The world is just messed up. Hope everything works out for him

[@lizliz4186]

They were happy to collect and spend his taxes all of these years too. They were happy to let him serve on a jury. Now they say get out

[@Jello836]

You have no idea. I work in health. There are so many people that come here legally, pay tax and national insurance sometimes for decades, but when they become seriously I’ll and in some cases terminally ill, they are still not be entitled to any of the most basic benefits. It’s a very difficult to understand.

[@azillliasmith2734]

I agree .....he has really paid his way .....hope there are some of these human rights lawyers available to help him win his case....Or maybe they're too busy helping murderers to stay in our country that have no right to be here....good luck to this man .....

[@it3788]

They want him to go home heis there since british took afrika for them selves thet prime Minister is Indian he has links from 🇰🇪 🎉😮😅😊

[@goodnessonyediofodile]

They must be something we are not being told, did he come in illegally ?

[@StarJoyceAnnAnim]

I have tears in my eyes just listening to Mr Nelson ❤ We love you from Ghana and proud of you!

[@terekab5883]

But this guy's accents after all those years in UK better he goes back to Ghana!

[@Famouseggman]

He was suppose to invest all this 50 years back in Africa and des not need to worry about havibg à british citizin or whatever. Tell our new generation to invest back in their home and nit in foreign countries. Home is home

[@John-lp5xh]

I bet you do

[@shopsuper8197]

Proud of him for what? The passion these people have to fight other countries government is what we need here. They are ready to sacrifice and fight for another nation who don’t want them there but won’t do it for their own country. If the likes of you have fought for Ghana like today u won’t have to fight to be there

[@John-lp5xh]

@@shopsuper8197 this will go straight over the persons head

[@GilbertDenila]

The issue before him is a complicated one. His visa ran out after his failed education and he did not in any way change his status. Though he was able to work and establish a business, he still did not regularise his stay. His being illegal in the UK became a problem when he wanted to travel out of the UK with a plan to return. This is impossible without a valid passport, UK reentry visa or an international travel document from the home office that grants you the ability to do that. The rules are very strict on issues like this. He should be regularise on humanitarian grounds. Period.

[@oluwafemijohnson9650]

I do not wish to place full blame on him. When his visa expired, it was the responsibility of the Home Office to take appropriate action. However, it is also true that he was granted certain benefits such as paying his mortgage, taxes, and even opening a business. Additionally, he was recognized with an award. It is important to consider the context of these events, as they occurred several decades ago.

[@jan22150]

​@oluwafemijohnson9650 he should have checked his status when he was denied funds for his study by his homeland. Always make sure you are an eligible citizen.

[@GilbertDenila]

@@jan22150 His denial of funds by his homeland had nothing to do with his status, he was denied funds because Ghana at that time was facing a horrible economic situation, I mean really bad. It was like what is obtained in Zimbabwe now or even worse. Then a military dictatorship suspended the constitution and most bilateral agreements the country signed. There was not much foreign currency for the government to dole out then. Most students in the diaspora were simply stranded.

[@MrOsarpong]

Have you done Consular work before? It isn't just about regularisation of stay. If the state had an opportunity to remove you or inform you, that's an equal burden on the state. Secondly, if you live a country for a certain period, paying taxes and being a member of the community, any civilised country would consider that in determining stay and citizenship. Mind you, we are not talking about hiding away for a decade or more. So I'm unsure why you put the blame on him. 70s, 80s, 90s, 2000s with children. 😅

[@Gmted]

You said it right. It doesn’t matter how long you live there if you did not adjust or change your status you are an illegal.

[@sharonmusiimenta8616]

The love and support the son gives his father speaks volumes ! I feel it’s special

[@matthewwilliams4168]

He absolutely deserves to stay here

[@ravd8082]

gov failure and the home office

[@user-ih9xy5vd5d]

He definitely deserve it but how on earth staying longer in the country make you a citizen? You got to go through the process to become a citizen right? Was he at any point went through that process?

[@matthewwilliams4168]

@user-ih9xy5vd5d he got citizenship from his marriage to a British woman, and obviously, when she died, he was left in limbo

[@shelleyphilcox4743]

​@@matthewwilliams4168No, you dont get citizenship just because you marry someone without actively applying for it after a qualifying period.

[@matthewwilliams4168]

@shelleyphilcox4743 obviously you don't understand what a green card is

[@imhere8380]

The UK needs good people like him as it is rapidly going down hill.

[@M_O_P.Limited]

The UK needs spiritual Revival and Jesus Christ.

[@mayachaya7431]

​@@M_O_P.Limitedworshipping a jew😂😂😂😂 i am Not buying that mate..

[@M_O_P.Limited]

@@mayachaya7431 What do you mean? Jesus Christ is God almighty.

[@reformedgirlblogger]

@@M_O_P.LimitedJesus Christ is a made up Greco Roman deity created by the Catholic Church

[@andrewhills7478]

Why didn't he sort out his citizenship since the 1990s? First thing first.

[@matildakwofie3538]

Sensible question

[@harkersethienne3698]

No British citizen in Africa ever bothered to ‘sort themselves’ in Africa. Their British passport was enough and they weren’t invited.

[@homodeus8713]

It was different in the 1970s

[@mohamedahrouch4842]

He hasn't acheived the requested level of English

[@nigeltaylor926]

​@@harkersethienne3698 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂facts

[@Cuppacuriositypodcast]

God bless you Nelson ❤

[@spaliverpool71]

🤮🤮🤮

[@doremi131]

lol, God bless him for what exactly? He didn't go home to burry his Mother because he knew he was in the country illegal and he wouldn't be able to come back.

[@spaliverpool71]

@@doremi131 Donations welcome I have contributed with Moroccan kids

[@doremi131]

@@spaliverpool71 you have contributed what with Moroccan kids?

[@spaliverpool71]

@@doremi131 He has

[@myredeemerlives3898]

You have to apply before you become a British citizen. As simple as ABC❤❤

[@alisonstuart2784]

How did he get a NI number?? The Home Office seem to have always been as incompetent as they are now.

[@solar6524]

You are entitled to NI number if you are a student. What's the incompetency about that?

[@careytitan9097]

@@solar6524 Foreign students are supposed to come here to learn, not work, if they do not have the money for their course, why were they allowed here? Most immigrants use education as an excuse for economic immigration into Britain.

[@josephhall9307]

The rules have changed over the years. Terresa May changed the law as Home Secretary introducing a "Hostile Environment" without regard to migrants who were already lawfully in the country but had never got around to applying for a British Passport. The Windrush Scandal was that the Home Office had deliberately destroyed the documents they held of Caribbeans lawfully in the country, leaving those Caribbeans who had never applied for a British Passport ( because there was no legal requirement for them, to do so ) unable to prove they had arrived in the country before 1972. School records and pay slips not counting as proof they were lawfully in the country.

[@lynnelowery8435]

​@@josephhall9307it's up to the individual to take responsibility and fill in citizenship forms. In the 60s posters were in post offices, advising immigrants to apply. I remember a bbc interview ,with a Jamacian gentleman ,saying he filled in all, the forms ,so no problem. Same with my Ghana frien in his 70s , been here 50 years ,and a UK citizen.

[@lorrettabell8348]

If you have a student visa you can apply for a NI number as you are allowed to work 20 hours. I came as a visitor changed to student and fight my way to British citizenship. I also got my mortgage before getting my rights to stay in the UK. You just cannot sit and do nothing.

[@jackiebenjamin8772]

Does the UK immigration realise that people from British Colonies migrated to the Great Britain with British passports. This is happening to a lot of persons who migrated to Britain, with British passports, even those from the Caribbean and many other countries who are even war veterans . Shame on the UK for not passing some sort of bill to assist these persons. These people helped build the economy of your country for decades and decades and decades their children, grandchildren and great grand are doing the same.

[@maryjones4029]

No people from the British colonies didn't help build the British economy that's nonsense and if you think otherwise care to explain how? Many who came to Britain did become British citizens because they were in the country legally and followed immigration procedures. This man didn't, he knew he was in the country illegally so he has no right to complain about his immigration status. He like everyone else regardless of where they are from are subject to British immigration law and procedures.

[@jacinthmcintosh3059]

I and my family came over with a British passport. When my island became independent, I filled out the forms, showed my British passport, I came over as a child with my grandmother and paid to be naturalised. I was given a new British passport.

[@minicitekedioh6132]

They were British citizens at the time they migrated to the UK. How can these "colonies" be the territory of the Queen but the people are not UK citizen?

[@Flower-ck2bs]

@@maryjones4029yes, They did. British economy is build on british colonies. Using and abusing africans and others. Do not you know the history of Great Brittain as a colonizer and that it is still ongoing? You can not just take. You must give also. The same worth!

[@CharlesOnikosi-ql5sb]

All that is outdated story, the world as moved on, people shouldn't feel like they are stuck in a rot in this country, making a fool out of you with your health, and something to laugh at out boredom. He's a learned man, and he can do better for himself somewhere else with help from someone like you that voices your opinion.

[@kayleighwenham1885]

this is disgusting, how on earth can we be here? the system is so very broke. protect this man at all costs

[@emmajessica46778]

100% what a lovely man!

[@helicoptergunship]

Thank you for not being racist Kayleigh 🙏🏿

[@claudetteh67]

@@helicoptergunship It is not about race. It is about legal status to remain and naturalised citizenship. I believe this man should be granted status in the UK on compassionate grounds, but he should have been more aware as a foreign visitor in his youth.

[@katelynn2548]

@@claudetteh67. He was a 28 year old man.

[@elizabethleboho9752]

He didn't register himself with Home Office after overstaying his student visa. There has been a few amnesties for illigal immigrants, he could have gone through that route . I remember there was amnesty in 2000. Also before 2012 you could also be granted permanent residence after living in the UK for 14 years. His is a special case, he has been in the UK for more than half his life, I think he should be granted permanent residence. He shouldn't blame the government though because he didn't do anything about his situation. Hoping for the best for you Nelson.

[@jackiegould1569]

Oh so he was basically here without a visa. Serves him right that he gets investigated. He was illegal. BUT - he has worked hard and paid taxes and proven himself to be a valuable citizen. He should be given an amnesty!

[@izlandsisterztv8792]

@@jackiegould1569Amnesty? The man has shown that he’s a good citizen of this country, and should be granted immediate citizenship. Matter of fact this country was built off the back of this man’s ancestors

[@princessdzifa]

​@izlandsisterztv8792 are, always claiming countries were built by the Blackman. Yet we can not build our own countries. 0:17

[@shelleyphilcox4743]

​@@izlandsisterztv8792He is from Ghana. Please explain how a man from Ghanas ancestors are particularly responsible for the wealth of the UK whilst also explaining how Ghana made money from selling the people around them into slavery and keeping their own domestic slaves. Also have a little look at the history and culture of the Ghananian Empire, the successor Mali Empire etc. Personally, I dont think this gentleman is responsible for the past of his country, anymore than UK citizens are today for what happened centuries ago, for good or bad. It is however a bit ridiculous to say this gentleman should get citizenship because the UK owes him because his ancestors contributed to the UK.

[@jackiegould1569]

@@izlandsisterztv8792 Thats what I meant - amnesty means he gets his citizenship without having to pay a fortune for it. Well I thought it did

[@user-ih9xy5vd5d]

Most of you people don’t understand, this man deserves everything but one thing your missing is this man never applied for a process to be a citizenship what he thought in his mind was being here for 50 years make you a citizen, the system doesn’t work like that, you have to apply for naturalisation to be a citizen which he never did so stop blaming home office, paying taxes and living in America or Australia for 50 years doesn’t make you a citizen for either country you got to apply to become a citizen, I hope this is a lesson to people out there who have similar mindset

[@afuantumi2768]

I’m even going to be open minded even though it’s hard. That was the same thing that happened to the windrush generation. How come he was not aware? Unless he doesn’t watch news. Also as a Ghanaian you will be made aware in Ghana about getting the right documentation as a student so he is educated guy it’s just fishy I don’t know I might be wrong. Please anyone from Ghana recognise this surname should let me know obviously i don’t know all but I know most Ghanaians recognises names with where in Ghana you come from 90% of the time.

[@user-ih9xy5vd5d]

Exactly I feel for for him but his story doesn’t add up, in the interview he never even mentioned that he made application to naturalisation, you can go in some one country and live there and pay your taxes and just assume your a citizen,

[@lynnelowery8435]

​@@afuantumi2768my friends husband is from Ghana, been here 50 years ,filled in all the forms for citizenship, so a British citizen. I remember when the windrush scandal started, the,y interviewed an old gentleman ,that when n he decided he was staying , he filled in all the forms , in fact ,he said ,posters were all over the post office in the 60s , advising immigrants to fill in the citizenship forms. So no excuse.

[@daughterofenoch677]

This is the thread I've been searching for. How can a Ghanaian who never applied for British citizenship claim he's shocked to find out he's not British ? He's a player.

[@DailyQuoteUniverse]

@@daughterofenoch677what a narrow minded comment. He made a life for himself, paid taxes, had a national insurance number for 47 years. If you have not been given ANY guidance, no follow ups from the government or anything you surely assume you’ve done everything right.

[@marticar995]

What a wonderful man. His gentle and kind spirit shines through this interview. Wishing you all the best Nelson. Hope this is resolved quickly for you.

[@rap1985]

I don’t understand why he’s been in the uk for so long and hasn’t apply for British passport or citizenship

[@jennyj0007]

Cause he knew he had overstayed.

[@beewa8840]

The hostile environment continues.

[@ranjayasekara9522]

Because he is not entitle to have a British Passport as he is a squandered student.

[@ranjayasekara9522]

@@jennyj0007you are 100% right

[@juliehardcastle9344]

we love you uncle nelson❤the whole of seacombe will do everything we can to help you stay!!! you deserve to STAY!!!

[@helicoptergunship]

Thank you for not being racist Julie 🙏🏿

[@Robin_The_Red_Fox]

How could he just conclude in his mind that, he has automatically become a citizen without applying for a stay or doing any paperwork.

[@Dan-ly4px]

In the 1970's when he came to the UK, there was no real requirements for citizenship for people coming from former colonies like Ghana. The laws have evolved over the years but in that time, the Government have treated him as a citizen when requesting him to fulfil certain duties eg: Jury Service. There is such this as acquiescence and after all these years, the government acquiesced.

[@katelynn2548]

I live in US. If you are a resident and have a license they will send you a jury form but it is your obligation to fill it and check off a box stating you are not a citizen. Buying a house and paying mortgage does not make you a citizen. Go get your Ghana passport, pay your fine and live your life.

[@Seren_ity22]

It was visa-free between Ghana and the UK up until 1980/ '86.

[@homodeus8713]

That’s what the British did in Africa so perhaps he thought that’s how things work.

[@katelynn2548]

@@Seren_ity22visa free to travel but not for citizenship. Those are two different things.

[@obibuaku]

Im more winded that he didnt go see his mother till she died. 50 years??!! Something aint right. I wish him the best. As a British Nigerian, i know family is core and important to us. Something aint adding up!

[@desireedjanie]

I thought the same, but then I thought maybe his mother and family visited him here.

[@hafsatuyusuf2331]

Definitely something is wrong somewhere. So all these years he didn’t have time to visit his parents in Ghana 🤔

[@potentialswillrule]

Men are like that, my mum use to go back all the time my dad I don't think went back to Nigeria for about 30+ years and then decided to move back there.

[@obibuaku]

@@potentialswillrule Even in this instance, I am sure once the elders get old word is sent that their time is running out and a visit is to be paid. He was here for 50 years - even in his own mind he must have known her time was nearly up. Unless they were estranged. In this case why visit in death? Its extremely bizarre. it poses entirely too many questions

[@pablogats4627]

@@obibuaku he prefered his white family I guess

[@thembindlovu9628]

He knew if he'd gone out of the country he wasn't gonna come back..

[@ruhaluddin]

From an emotional point of view, agreed, he deserves citizenship. But, from a legal point of view, he didn’t take any steps to regularise his citizenship status until recently. Therefore, like everyone else, he needs to go through the relevant process.

[@frederickaidam1254]

U just wrote exactly what was on my mind.

[@jenniferjuniper12]

Yes, no exceptions. If they don’t have a British passport, they’re not a British citizen.

[@sammym9259]

My late mum at 64 went through it wrote the test etc...why can't he too?🤨

[@jocelynemmukendi1307]

50 years 😢😮😮

[@CharlesOnikosi-ql5sb]

He left it too, late like most people did over the years. But he's a grown man now, with children.

[@gracekagoma3231]

This is a lesson to everyone,never stay in a foreign country without proper papers 😮😮😮

[@LuiExcalibur]

He probably should have been formally contacted by immigration services after graduating

[@jacquelineithell307]

Or he should have informed them , l wonder why he didn’t !!!!!!!!’

[@LuiExcalibur]

@@jacquelineithell307 the functions and services of a nation are supposed to be hassle free due to accountability, England lacks this value

[@denisescally7090]

He clearly overstayed his visa.

[@cassiescotland6754]

Immigration laws and rights over the years have changed over time, even with Internet and how we receive information today - people are not always informed about the specifics of the changes and how it applies to their individual circumstances.

[@harshavijay3517]

Visa fraud. Mockery of people following the immigration rules.

[@yawfraser]

I don't understand why he didn't do anything for all those years. Overstaying doesn't make you automatically a citizen. And you never visited your mom for 40 years, meaning he knew he was going to have issues should he try to leave the country anytime. I hope he gets this issue resolved 🙏

[@daughterofenoch677]

I hope he stops lying at his age .

[@ANEEAMA]

He married a British citizen during the time of his work period, I read that in an article. So, he might have thought he could stay in the UK as his wife and kids are British citizens.

[@africansister]

He forgot about his home 40 years not visiting family 😮

[@JosephineEze79]

@@ANEEAMA Marrying a British citizen does not make you a citizen if you don't even apply for it. How would the home office know about the marriage?

[@MuniraMahemud-sq1re]

So is this how you lot would treat people, if you ran the home office , you would boot people out after 40 years ? The guy is not a spring chicken, man has done jury service. Our country are letting anyone and everyone in and giving them loads of cash. While booting people out after all this time. No! It's out of order

[@peterrichard9769]

Thank you News Agencies for your fantastic work. He deserve to stay in the U.K

[@CharlesOnikosi-ql5sb]

That's a solid advice. Who's going to do it? Lol

[@safiadeletvb8511]

He never applied for citizenship, never went back home to visit in 50 years and apparently never even traveled abroad because he doesn't hold a passport. His story is odd sorry!

[@audreysutherland4739]

I really hope it gets sorted. Bless this kind, humble man 😢

[@demolaayorinde3599]

It’s just for all African that we should not assume anything but to educate ourselves and follow the process.

[@agnesmuchemi8152]

Me being a foreigner, not even educated like Nelson i can’t understand the level of ignorance on immigration rules. I always use lawyers, on my application of all needed paperwork. I wish him the best but must accept the countability of his own personal omission, on what was most important. His legality

[@toribabe1000]

Why did he not file for citizenship

[@daughterofenoch677]

Because it costs money and he didn't want to spend his money on citizenship fees.

[@jakehowie442]

😂 should’ve gone back to Ghana then

[@princesselizabethgarden7556]

@@daughterofenoch677 does he want it for free then? It doesn’t work like that.

[@daughterofenoch677]

@@princesselizabethgarden7556 Obviously it works that way for him cos the gofundme people have donated about £30000 to him.

[@BintuSaidu]

It was very cheap then he could have gotten it through his children or his wife he just never cared because he knows the laws definitely and it was even very easy then not like now but I wish him all the best

[@annodnosinut3485]

Why did he not apply for citizenship 40 years ago?

[@josephhall9307]

Immigrants in low paying jobs are reluctant to pay the fees to take out a passport if they are not travelling. Most Commonwealth immigrants in those days never bothered to visit Spain or France for a holiday. If they were travelling abroad it was for visits back home or to visit relatives in the USA and Canada.

[@emmajessica46778]

Times have changed, 40 years ago visas where not seen in the same way. Countless examples of similar cases in Australia.

[@josephhall9307]

@@emmajessica46778 But as an African he is going to know the UK is a racist country. So he should have taken out a British passport to protect himself. Whether he personally gets on with white people has nothing to do with anything if the UK government has a policy of cutting down on the number of black faces in the UK. He will get caught out if he didn't bother to make hay whilst the sun was shining.

[@jackiebenjamin8772]

Exactly and he probably migrated on a British passport, if Ghana was a British Colony. Imagine he got a mortgage to buy a house, therefore he was considered to be legal. They are doing the same to the men who left their country to join the British military and went to war for them, especially those from the Caribbean countries.

[@josephhall9307]

@@jackiebenjamin8772 My parents born in Jamaica in 1920 and 1925, who then moved to the UK in 1957, had to apply to become British citizens after Jamaica was granted independence in 1962.

[@brendonmartin9737]

As much I do empathise with his story this man lived in England illegally, you don’t become a citizen by accumulating a number of years in a certain country. He came on a student visa which he defaulted from it by not being able to fund his education. Also back in the day the system was not that robust as it is today. People could work in England and live without being noticed by the system. We can’t compare him to the wind-rush generation because those people had overseas British passports. All these years how come he never tempted to travel abroad even on a holiday, he knew his predicament and he thought he had cheated the system. Well the past is catching up with him unfortunately, I do wish him all the best. There’s a lot of holes 🕳️ in his story. It don’t add up at all , he might be a good man but to live that long not being aware of his immigration status that’s odd. 😢

[@thechazzzz]

Get in the bin

[@daughterofenoch677]

Well said @Brendon. He's lying through his dentures. He knew exactly what he was playing at.

[@socagal2867]

You should have sorted out the paper work.

[@vitsyang]

I’m confused though. How did he go through all these years without knowing he wasn’t a citizen. He wasn’t made to renew his visa throughout those years?

[@yukae2878]

Good question….

[@ThePushUKLifestyle]

The onus is always on the individual to make sure that their visas are up to date.

[@ItsNana324]

He cared less about VISA and whatever cus he never visited home for 50 good years. Can you imagine?

[@oma7698]

@@ItsNana324And we don’t know why he didn’t visit, so, no, we can’t imagine and shouldn’t be trying to do so.

[@ThePushUKLifestyle]

@@oma7698 Not just his home but he didn’t travel for 50 years because he knew he was an overstayer and he would not have been allowed back into the country if he travelled outside the country

[@preciouslouis7634]

If you don’t go through the process from different visas to ILR to citizenship, how do you expect to just become a citizen?

[@AS-ug9bt]

Exactly right. My now adult son was born in the UK before I had ILR, so he didn't have a right to citizenship at birth. When I received ILR, I applied for him to become a "British citizen by Registration". If not, he could have got a Home Office letter too. Nelson came to UK as an adult and knew about visas, etc. Should have sought legal advice to regularise his status years ago.

[@John-vd9tb]

If he has been in the country for that long, he should have known the the country law. Citizenship is not automatic unless you are born there.

[@koyenikanoluwasayo8420]

This man came to UK on a study visa...He did NOT apply to regularize his residency in UK...NO matter what he has done in UK...these does not amount to MIRACULOUSLY became a UK citizen. Listen to HIM..."I regarded myself as a British citizen"....CAN YOU IMAGINE!!!

[@christinefiedor3518]

Totally agree. Anyone on any visa in any country should always have their eye on the ball as changes can happen at any time.Been there done that!

[@tunedinhoomofa5781]

He knew what he was doing that’s why he never traveled

[@michaeltrevor7156]

You’re right. No one who has emigrated to another country can just assume they’ve automatically become a citizen without going through the formal procedure route.

[@jalehhazell9042]

Then they should return his taxes he paid

[@user-yh9kc3cg6x]

He deserves his citizenship please

[@superjulian110]

Bless this man

[@IronsWHU]

How can someone who’s not a British citizen get called up for jury service? Like how is that even possible…

[@maximusfootball6266]

Good point that

[@TGIF82]

I am a EU citizen and did my jury service some years ago. British citizenship is not a requirement but living in the UK for at least 5 years is as u are a resident.

[@jakehowie442]

Interesting

[@pablogats4627]

@@TGIF82 that is honestly mindblowing

[@TGIF82]

@@pablogats4627 why do u find it mindblowing? Most of the British people don’t know the law, hence why they may assume you are abusing the system when in fact, the law says otherwise. E.g. some people expected EU citizen not to get universal credit even prior Brexit, whether the law said, u need to work for 18 months in order to qualify. It has nothing to do with foreigners, but ignorance of the British people. I think it makes sense to have residents involved, not just citizens. I have been here for 20 years, I am not keen on becoming British,it never been my goal, more convenience but it costs £1,850 and there is always something else to pay. Plus u may come across morons who feel need to tell you that u were not born here. Yeah, that’s right, it’s a fact in my case but it’s not rule that applies on everyone. People think u get upset about that as if I could, why? However, i think it makes sense people who live where they live contribut and being on jury is your contribution to civic society, just like voting, paying taxes, obeying law etc.

[@peterrichard9769]

My heart is humbled when l hear such a humbled family.

[@pursuethepull]

Very interesting!!! thank you fro sharing

[@jacquelinekaranja4469]

I really don’t understand people there’s rule in every land. This man come as a student of course you get N.l no. to enable you to work hours allowed in the land as a student.He never complete his studies due to lack of fees. Decided to work and get married not even bothering to apply for his papers. And now after staying for 50 yrs in his mind he’s a British citizen?. MAN IN EVERY LAND THEY ARE RULES AND THEY MUST BE FOLLOWED. HE KNOWS THAT WHY HE CANT EVEN LOOK AT THE CAMERA WHEN HES TALKING. GOOD LUCK.

[@nwananka]

How do you not have a British passport. How do you claim to be a citizen

[@femiogunsola5436]

The question is: Did Nelson NOT apply to be a british citizen in 50 years. This is unbelievable. Yes, you are not a citizen until you are sworn in to be one. This makes me very angry 😠. Just because you bought a house somehow is not a condition for citizenship

[@hubreydavid7864]

No Colinizers applied for citizenship in the countries that they invaded, so what's the big deal his countries' resources helped the British Empire to prosper. 😢😢

[@ThePushUKLifestyle]

He’s not eligible to apply for citizenship as an overstayer. Not regularising your stay even for 100 years leaves you in the same stagnant situation. He’s lucky that the UK accept applications from overstayers of 20 years and above unlike the USA, you will never have grounds to regularise your stay unless he married a citizen

[@grieffoundation8451]

He has paid his dues and deserves to stay. But it is not credible that he did not know he wasn’t a citizen. Nor that he coincidentally stayed solely in the UK by choice for 50yrs so he didn’t need a passport.

[@theisisreincarnate]

Many people don't know the immigration laws and how they work plus this was the 70's , and his circumstances changed because of political instability in Ghana & he probably got caught up with life.

[@simba8665]

@@theisisreincarnate I will never understand western governments. Look at the US today. It is easier for someone to go through the boarder illegally rather than applying for a proper visa. And the illegal immigrants are now getting work permits. In Canada the government is crying to get newcomers from outside, but yet the immigrants already in there working and contributing to their system have no status. Doesn’t make sense

[@Emily-zo9kg]

If anyone’s proved he’s a British citizen. It’s him. ❤️

[@JennyAmponsah]

Well said - I agree with you 😊😊👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@emmajessica46778]

He’s so lovely. Good bless him

[@lynnelowery8435]

Unfortunately , in any country ,no matter how long you have resided there, unless you fill in the forms and apply, you are not a citizen.

[@daughterofenoch677]

He proved he's British by being dishonest ? Is dishonesty a British thing?

[@jakehowie442]

In what way? Illegally overstaying his visa

[@pagliacci2942]

Seems like a nice guy, but you can't just overstay your student visa and stay. These rules are here for a reason. I must abide by the same rules in other countries.

[@spaliverpool71]

With a degree in ethnic engineering

[@pagliacci2942]

@@spaliverpool71 "...no less" What a bright man.

[@spaliverpool71]

Circus act 😳

[@stephenford8775]

I've just said the same thing, he's here illegally.

[@spaliverpool71]

@@stephenford8775 The guy did anything he wanted and now he's crying asking for free donations. Joker 🃏

[@user-en1zc5vd6y]

He’s an amazing person. I hope his issue gets resolved soon. And the son is HOT…..

[@michaeltrevor7156]

Every country has laws and regulations and people should apply themselves to the laws and regulations of the country they emigrated to. As an immigrant you can’t just assume you’re a citizen without going through the applicable formal processes. Neglecting or ignoring this fact for however many years is sadly self-delusional.

[@antoinettemcloughlin170]

Best wishes to nelson and his fight , what a lovely man

[@lavienestpasunlongfleuvetr2559]

I do hope this man is granted citizenship, and it seems unfair that it should cost him so much to apply, however, what was glossed over in this interview was the fact his current predicament is largely due to his own ignorance, and not because of anything the British State has done. He had 50 years to apply for citizenship and didn't. It's not the Home Office's fault that he erroneusly assumed he could become a British citizen by simply living in the UK, without actually applying for citizenship. That's not how citizenship works in ANY country, and for good reason: citizenship comes with rights and responsibilities, and so acquiring it from a country you weren't born in and have no ancestral ties to should take more effort than simply moving there and staying for decades. It's for practical reasons that countries require immigrants to expressly apply for citizenship - they need to understand what it involves, and in some cases, their country of origin will not allow them to retain their citizenship of that country if they become a citizen of another.

[@everydaywinning]

I think the issue here is that he has been able to do a lot of things that he should not have been able to without a legal right to be here.

[@lilacer6841]

​@@everydaywinninghe should have applied for citizenship like everyone else. This is a non story. If he has residency he can apply for citizenship

[@agnesmuchemi8152]

You are right, i am an immigrant why educated man like he says didn’t understand he needed to apply for his nationality. I agree he need to accept his ignorance has costed him

[@daughterofenoch677]

He's not ignorant. He's dishonest. He's lying. He knows the law. He knew he was illegal in the UK. He's using old age and sentiments to pressure the home office.

[@everydaywinning]

@@lilacer6841 Don't you think this is a system failure that this guy was living a full life here without being noticed at all?

[@smileylady485]

I am extremely emotional watching this. We are very wounded and we all need healing. ❤❤❤

[@rassouldiop7398]

I don’t understand how you can be citizens without applying

[@adams6798]

When Europeans came and stayed in Africa did they apply for citizenship?

[@JosephineEze79]

@@adams6798 That was then. I recently met a Lebanese man that had lived in Ghana for over 30 years and was having a hard time getting citizenship.

[@adams6798]

@@JosephineEze79 I agree life have changed drastically the last 45 years, less security, more crime and people becoming more advanced in criminal activities. It’s just different.

[@cherihanetq60]

Am I missing something here ? You dont get british citizenship without applying no matter how long you've been living here. There are people illegal here who have been living over 20 years and will never have the right to apply. Just apply for an ILR using the 10 years route and then British citizenship in 1 year. And please follow the legal process

[@nvgirl1807]

Lol, have an image of you at school, screaming 'there are rules and you should follow them' at your classmates

[@dhsf5937]

​@@nvgirl1807the person isn't wrong,there is a process.

[@cherihanetq60]

@@nvgirl1807 Yeah and I imagine you living like a savage in the middle of the jungle because rules are so boring for you.

[@cherihanetq60]

@@dhsf5937 Some people don't like living in civilized countries, rules and regulations go above their head

[@missqt48]

I’m sure if he had a plea on grounds of having a family, they would have given him a status. I also did Jury service (a week After my 18th birthdays when I wasn’t a citizen. A status of indefinite leave, is not the same as citizenship. In the end, after starting my own family had to pay £1800 the whole process of becoming a British citizen.

[@mikemike2311]

Are u telling me that he has not seen his mom for 50years and he is now going to do what? Immigration don’t come knocking at your door to give u citizenship, you have to apply!

[@ItsNana324]

😅 Mike ask again! He's going to do what?

[@talenttm3145]

What if his parents where coming to the UK to visit

[@ItsNana324]

@@talenttm3145 my dear, you cannot host a foreign guest in the UK when you yourself do not have a British passport cus the passport number is a requirement for documentation of the one who is visiting.

[@MimiTena]

That was a curse from his mother

[@Arcabelle]

It is well with you and your family Jacob and Nelson ✨🎈🎈🎈

[@JamesThomas-uz8td]

Am very happy he got an answer to his problem. Thank GOD

[@jolayemiayobami6989]

Your home is your home no place like home Africa is still the best. No matter how long you have stay in UK.

[@GeoffreyMumiira-of2tn]

Tell him africa is your home,

[@StarLight-sl9ok]

And where is home for all the Europeans living in US/canada/Australia? 😂

[@john-darrenesterhuizen9008]

He’s lived 5 decades in uk that’s his home now

[@homodeus8713]

He will not manage in Africa. He has a home, family, community and business.

[@debuchy413]

Let him follow the due process and get citizenship.but deportation is not the right choice.

[@GoM1823]

Why can't he just go through the process like everyone else. Once you complete the process and if homeoffice rejects your application, then there's a valid point to argue, but you are not deported or asked to leave yet, all you've been asked is to follow the process we all do. Just get it done without looking for unnecessary attention 🤫

[@IOSALive]

This Morning, Subscribed because your videos are always awesome!

[@SM-sc5ku]

Love and support and hope you win your case ❤

[@careytitan9097]

He knew he was an illegal overstayer, that is why he did not apply for citizenship, fear of deportation.

[@daughterofenoch677]

Yes. He knew exactly what he was doing

[@ranjayasekara9522]

This the truth, no one see this

[@LeeTheKnight]

Just because you have been here a long time does not make you British. Even being born here does not make you automatically British. The mistake is with the individual that didnt bother to apply for citizenship, residency or whatever the procedure should have been.

[@Wayne-fn1sw]

Agree 💯.

[@maryjones4029]

I don't think he made a mistake, he knew he was in the country illegally and that's why he didn't apply for residency or citizenship, it would have been found out because when you apply for a change in immigration status you need to submit your passport which would have shown he had no right to be in the country. I don't think he's being honest.

[@valerierachaelwinter4701]

So what makes you British according to you?

[@georgekaye-yb8jl]

Absolutely

[@maryjones4029]

@@valerierachaelwinter4701 I'm assuming you can't be British or you'd know. There are a few ways but normally you have to be born in the UK to a British citizen. Also if you are a legal resident in the UK for a set number of years you can apply to be a British citizen via the route of naturalisation. None of these conditions applied to this man.

[@lydiadoumon6781]

Nelson all the best to you and your entire family. You demonstrate the real African values when you hear a bird singing I’m sending you my gratitude… Love and peace ❤❤❤

[@rubysailor9186]

This man has contributed to this country,not a criminal, he should not be treated same way as anyone coming into the country receiving benefits and a council flat.

[@kiandube]

Someone comes on a boat and becomes a British citizen within a few years!!! Shocking 🤦🏿‍♀️🤦🏿‍♀️🙆🏿

[@veekay9900]

Am puzzled, how did he forget he was not British, he cant convince me he has never come across people that reminded him he was african regardless of how long he had lived here and paid taxes.

[@kamalizacotilda3036]

This man is an elder, please we have to have respect for certain age categories for the sake of humanity. My prayer is that UK office avoids shame by doing justice to this cause.

[@ChloeSinclair-jt5kj]

This is awful this poor kind hearted guy doesn't deserve any of this and I hope he is doing well now.😭❤❤❤

[@afuantumi2768]

Please someone should educate me, was it the practice in the past that you become a citizen without applying? Did he ever traveled? With what passport ?

[@gottfriedking]

All these years and he still has a Ghanaian accent? 🤯

[@ollienuuha9919]

It’s called authenticity

[@evelynidoko8299]

And I love it❤️🫡

[@joshuakampamba9061]

Thank you all for contributing for the old Man 👍❤❤❤❤oh my God I love you all ❤️❤️❤️❤️🇿🇲

[@naturelle1097]

Thanks to y❤❤ou all even forthe interview

[@John-om6ld]

Surely he qualifies for the settled status.

[@stephfoxwell4620]

Yes. But not to say he is British.

[@ThePushUKLifestyle]

Unfortunately he doesn’t qualify for settled status as to qualify, you need to show atleast 5 years of LEGAL residence. He came into the country as a student and overstayed his visa and started to work without a work permit. All his 50 years unfortunately was as an overstayer because he did not regularise his stay. He can apply for the 10 year route to residency and renew his visa every 2.5 years up to 10 years after which he can apply for permanent residence and then a year later, citizenship. There is a process and owning a house, paying taxes etc unfortunately does not make you an automatic British citizen, if not, more people will arrive in the country a similar way and that's where the issue of "taking local jobs" comes from unfortunately. He’s clearly settled into life in British society but it doesn’t make him British if he hasn’t regularised his stay. When his son mentioned that he will be 80 by the end of the 10 year route unfortunately, that’s not the fault of the Home Office. He’s a lovely man but everyone regardless has to go through the proper channels.

[@MM.-qo7pk]

Allowing thousands of people into the country through dinghy boats without any back ground check is a disaster for the UK . The home house needs investigating as where have 30,000 people gone ???

[@emmajessica46778]

They work illegally v easy

[@rutendosarahgukwa1516]

This is diabolical! This man has done more for the country than probably most Brits. This has to be rectified!

[@barnbersonol]

❤ great guy. All the best to you Nelson.

[@255gmoney]

50 odd years and didn't even pick up a little of the local dialect ?anyway anybody who is a legal migrant to the UK has one thing on their mind settle down as quickly as possible and get their ilr,this case is a absolute shocker to me.

[@adams6798]

Blows my mind too

[@bushouse]

He was doing accounts do you ⚒️

[@255gmoney]

​@@bushouseand...

[@adams6798]

@@bushouse Let him use the skills he gained in UK since 1977 for the advancement of Ghana. He is much needed more in Ghana than in UK.

[@bushouse]

@@255gmoney u don't talk dialect in accounts. You work out

[@D25Bev]

Man lives in country illegally. Complains when he is dealt with (far too late).

[@charliegibbs3131]

This is awful, and discusting. Office needs to sort this out. Cant imagine the pain and worry he must be going through.

[@ByMOCeTrends]

So heart breaking 💔

[@ldn876]

His British wife probably held back his paperwork.

[@yaafowaa4149]

The British wife is not responsible for processing his legal documents.

[@ViridiansDragons]

Best wishes, what a lovely man.

[@spaliverpool71]

All innocent and contrite 😇

[@suhailshabir9305]

Shocking..lost for words

[@pfungwachitambo5996]

❤ GOD bless you Sir.

[@guyverjay1289]

You are not though. Not sure why people in this comments section think the rules shouldn't apply to him. Newsflash not every person arriving on a dinghy will turn out to be a horrible criminal either...shall we let them stay too?

[@babscoker4178]

Why didn't he file for his legal documents when he got married to British women? He took the system for granted and now he's got himself in a mess. You can only remain as a British by documentation but not by word of mouth.

[@yasminogbu8929]

Heartbreaking 💔

[@shawnalloway9831]

Humbling, I wish you luck Nelson ❤

[@Itzsheila3087]

Absolutely disgusting….. this system within the UK, they seems to target those people that have brought a lot to this county. Who’s next😳…. And when will this stop.😡 All the best to you Nelson… I will pray for you💕

[@Themis33]

I wondered why his English wasn't a little better, having lived here for so long. However, everything made sense after I realised he lived in Liverpool. 😉🤣

[@a.konadu4010]

The birds chirping in thanks is a Ghanaian proverb. Nyame Nkyira Nelson and family.

[@oseidanq1]

Sorry this happened to him. I am completely amazed that he thought he didn’t have to do anything to get a citizenship.

[@pardeepg4984]

It’s disgusting that someone in his position can be treated this way. Evry case is an individual case. It’s great that they came on to give their story. There are probably others in similar situations. Good luck to the gentleman and his family 🙏🏼

[@stephenford8775]

He was here on a Student Visa, that does not give you the right to over stay, he should of applied and done the right thing, he's here illegally.

[@helicoptergunship]

Thank you for not being racist a Pardeep 🙏🏿

[@DailyQuoteUniverse]

This man 100% deserves a citizenship. It’s the home offices fault they never followed up with him ALL those years. We deserve more people like this man, he’s probably been here longer than the people making the decisions have been alive. So many narrow minded people making assumptions. The facts are: He paid taxes since 1978 after receiving a national insurance number, took 2 mortgages out, called up for jury service and married twice. He clearly didn’t feel the need to go back to Ghana because he made a life here. I don’t see how there are few people saying ‘he didn’t apply back in 1978 so he doesn’t deserve it’, cmon this 74 year old man represents the best of all of us, see sense instead of hating. Imagine if this was your dad/grandad.

[@Booboonancy]

I do hope he gets all this mess cleared up and is able to apply successfully for citizenship but it’s not the government’s fault for not following up. It was his responsibility to protect his legal status in the country. This level of naivety is hard to believe.

[@DailyQuoteUniverse]

@@Booboonancy it’s a combination of his naivety and the home offices incompetence. He definitely deserves indefinite leave to remain based on exceptional circumstances. The home office need to look at this cause individually and not group it the same as other case which they can and do do.

[@georgeacheampong9267]

This man has no case, he’s been living in the country illegally all this years, that’s not how you become a citizen in any country you have to go through the process to become a citizen. I agree with the home office.

[@loonylinda]

i like this couple doing the programme..they are sincere and kind..much improvement on previous prsenters.