Our Bureau
London
An Indian historian, Dr. Manikarnika Dutta, faces deportation from the UK after the Home Office ruled she had spent too much time abroad conducting research in India. Dutta, who has lived in the UK for over a decade, exceeded the permitted 548 days outside the country by 143 days, totaling 691 days, while working on her academic projects related to Indian archives.
Dutta, 37, moved to the UK in 2012 for a Master’s degree at the University of Oxford and later held positions at prestigious institutions including the University of Bristol and University College Dublin. Despite her significant contributions to historical research, her application for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) was denied based on her time spent outside the UK. The Home Office also cited a lack of “family life” in Britain as a reason for the decision, despite her being married for over ten years and residing with her husband in south London.
The Home Office’s decision shocked Dutta, who expressed disbelief upon receiving the email demanding her departure. “I have lived here for 12 years… I never thought something like this would happen to me,” she stated. Her husband, Souvik Naha, also an academic, described the situation as extremely stressful for both of them.
This case highlights the stringent immigration policies that can impact academics engaged in essential research abroad. Critics have voiced concerns about the fairness of penalizing scholars for fulfilling their professional obligations. As Dutta navigates this challenging situation, she faces a potential re-entry ban of ten years if she does not leave voluntarily.
