Manikarnika Dutta, a prominent historian and assistant professor at University College Dublin, faces potential deportation from the United Kingdom due to exceeding the maximum allowable days spent outside the country. Dutta, who has been residing in south London with her husband for over a decade, conducted extensive research in India as part of her academic commitments to the University of Oxford. Her application for indefinite leave to remain in the UK was rejected by the Home Office, which cited her prolonged absence as a violation of residency rules.
Dutta's research necessitated access to historic archives in various Indian cities and participation in international conferences. The Home Office, however, deemed her 691-day absence from the UK as excessive, surpassing the time limit permitted by their regulations. Despite living in the UK for 12 years and holding various academic positions at British universities, the rejection stated that she did not have a substantial family life in Britain.
Manikarnika Dutta initially arrived in the UK on a student visa in September 2012. Subsequently, she transitioned to a spouse visa, being dependent on her husband, Dr. Souvik Naha, who secured his stay under the "global talent" route. This decision has sparked significant distress for both Dutta and her husband.
"This decision from the Home Office has been terribly stressful for both of us. It has taken a psychological toll. I sometimes give lectures about these issues and have read articles about people affected, but never thought it would happen to us." – Naha
Dutta has received considerable support from her academic peers following the Home Office's decision. They argue that her case highlights a broader issue regarding the UK's ability to attract and retain global academic talent. Kandiah, a representative involved in Dutta's case, emphasized the potential damage to the UK's reputation.
"My client’s case exemplifies how such situations severely undermine the UK’s reputation and its ability to attract and retain global academic talent – particularly at a time when strengthening international relations is crucial." – Kandiah
The Home Office's review further instructed Dutta to leave the country, warning of potential legal consequences should she fail to do so voluntarily.
"You must now leave the United Kingdom. If you don’t leave voluntarily you may be subject to a re-entry ban of 10 years and prosecuted for overstaying." – The review
In response to inquiries about Dutta's case, a Home Office spokesperson maintained their usual policy of not commenting on individual cases.
"It is longstanding government policy that we do not routinely comment on individual cases." – A Home Office spokesperson
Kandiah also expressed concern about the long-term implications for UK universities if such policies persist.
"If the UK genuinely seeks to position itself as a global leader in academia and innovation, it must foster an environment that is welcoming to top talent." – Kandiah
"Without such an approach, UK universities will continue to lose highly skilled PhD researchers in whom they have invested years of resources, expertise and funding." – Kandiah