Supporters of Zambian nurse, Dianne Ngoza, are worried about her safety as the UK Government Home Office appears to have disappeared her.
Dianne lived in the UK for 14 years, has a daughter here and huge support from the Manchester community, where she volunteered as an anti-destitution campaigner. The UK Government wants to deport her back to Zambia where she has no relatives or friends, and where she hasn't lived for twenty years.
The Home Office invoked a new amendment to legislation previously only used for criminals, where appeals against deportation on human rights grounds can only be heard after deportation to another country.
After a protest rally this morning outside Dallas Court, on Langworthy Road South in Salford, Dianne entered the reporting centre expecting to be let out again, as lawyers had filed fresh papers relating to her right to stay. Instead, she was detained and supporters remained on the gates of Dallas House, at one point blocking a van attempting to take her to a holding centre.
The van retreated back into the compound and all afternoon there was a stand-off as Greater Manchester Police TAU and local officers stood by. Late this afternoon the van carrying Dianne did manage to leave Dallas Court and supporters were told she was being taken to the Pennine House holding centre near Manchester Airport. But she never arrived.
This evening the campaign group has issued the following statement...
"Dallas Court officials told supporters that Dianne would be taken to Pennine House where she would be looked after. Subsequent enquiries revealed that she is not at Pennine House and at this point we do not know her whereabouts. We are seeking any relevant information to establish where she is and that she is safe and well. Her legal and political representatives have been approached to make appropriate enquiries as soon as offices open in the morning."
Update: 6am 17th November:
Late last night supporters finally managed to trace Dianne. She had been taken to the notorious Yarl's Wood immigration removal centre in Bedfordshire, and had been given only two apples to eat. Dianne herself was told that she would be taken to Pennine House in Manchester. The Salford Star will be seeking comments from the Home Office today.
Meanwhile, if any supporters wish to talk to Dianne we now have her phone number and she is happy to speak with well wishers. We're not putting it online but email info@salfordstar.com for info.
There's also a 38 Degrees petition to sign - Dignity For Dianne https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/dignity-for-dianne
Update: 17th November 11am: The Salford Star contacted the Home Office with the following questions...
1) Why was Dianne detained at Dallas Court when her lawyers were filing new evidence and `proofs' at the time?
2) Why were supporters and family, and Dianne herself, informed that she was being taken to Pennine House in Manchester, when she was actually being taken to Yarl's Wood?
3) Is there any avenues left for Dianne to remain in the country while her case is heard?
A Home Office spokesperson responded that the Government does not routinely comment on individual cases, and added:
"We expect people with no legal basis to remain in the UK to leave the country voluntarily, and we provide support to help people return to their home country. Where they refuse to do so we will seek to enforce their removal."
Update: 19th November
Solidarity Party for Dianne - 2:30pm-5:30pm today Sat 19th November, Piccadilly Gardens Manchester - while campaign hots up with MP involvement - click here
For full background see previous Salford Star article – click here
Main photo shows the last picture of Dianne, seen entering the reporting centre
(1).JPG)
(1).JPG)
.JPG)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
(3).jpeg)
.png)
(1).JPG)
