Key facts
- A Syrian plastic surgeon's refugee status in the UK has been revoked by the Home Office.
- The Home Office considers Syria safe for the surgeon and his family to return.
- The surgeon fears persecution from radical groups still operating in Syria.
- The surgeon's three children are university students in the UK.
- This is believed to be the first time the Home Office has cancelled refugee protection for Syrians.
- UNHCR advises against returning refugees to Syria due to ongoing instability.
A Syrian plastic surgeon living in London is facing deportation after the UK Home Office revoked his refugee status, deeming it safe for him and his family to return to Syria. The surgeon, who fled the Assad regime in 2016 and has since integrated into UK society, working as a GP and hoping to practice plastic surgery, expressed shock and fear over the decision.
He stated that he was targeted by radical groups still operating in Syria and does not believe the current Syrian government could protect him. His wife and six children, three of whom are studying at university, are also affected by the decision. The surgeon is reportedly one of the first Syrian refugees in the UK to have his protection cancelled, and thousands more may be impacted.