The Saleem family have been living in the UK for 13 years. Dumfries and Galloway is their home and where they belong, but they could now be deported due to a late visa application that wasn’t even their own fault.

I’m a journalist for the local newspaper and first met Saira, their youngest daughter, at secondary school. You couldn’t meet a nicer girl. She and her family are kind, hardworking and a wonderful part of our community. This is their home as much as it is mine, and they don’t deserve to be ripped away from it.

Their dad first moved from Pakistan to the UK on a work permit in 2005. Ten years later, their application for indefinite leave to remain was handed in late by their former solicitor. This single mistake now threatens to wreck their lives. When I found out I started this petition for my old school friend and loved members of our community. If we don’t take a stand, who will?

Saira and her sister Fatima haven’t been to Pakistan since they moved to the UK 13 years ago. They’ve grown up in Dumfries and Galloway - to force them to move to Pakistan now would mean totally uprooting them. It would mean leaving behind their home, their friends and their community.

The family just want to get on with their lives after three years of turmoil. Their father is currently unable to work due to the visa issue. Saira can’t continue with her education. The uncertainty over their futures is scary, distressing and unfair. They should be allowed to stay in Dumfries and Galloway where they belong.

Please sign this petition to help the Saleem family be granted Leave to Remain in the UK