Polish man in UK wins last-minute reprieve from deportation

Mateusz Kulik, a 27-year-old Polish man who has lived in the UK since he was seven, faced deportation due to insufficient proof of residency. His application for the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) was refused in January 2021, but he only learned of this a year later. Despite the refusal, Kulik believed he had the right to travel and went on holiday to Thailand, returning to find himself detained at Heathrow Airport for eight hours. He was questioned about his residency status, which caused him distress. Kulik's lawyer, Jordan, submitted a new EUSS application and requested a delay in the deportation process. However, the Home Office initially planned to proceed with the removal, citing the lack of a certificate of application confirming the new submission. This situation raised concerns about the potential consequences of deportation for Kulik, who has strong ties to the UK, including his family. In a surprising turn of events, the Home Office contacted Jordan on Sunday afternoon to inform him that the planned removal flight for Kulik had been canceled. This decision came after the Home Office reviewed the credible evidence provided in the new application, which demonstrated Kulik's long-standing residency in the UK since 2004. Kulik expressed relief at the news, feeling a sense of hope after a challenging ordeal. His case highlights the complexities surrounding immigration status and the importance of timely communication and support from legal representatives in navigating such situations.