Victor Erouhwo, a Nigerian residing in the United Kingdom, is currently facing deportation after the Home Office, the country’s ministerial department responsible for immigration, security, and law and order, ignored his visa renewal application.

According to the Independent UK, Erouhwo, 41, moved to the UK from Nigeria as a student in 2007.

During the period, the Nigerian secured a job as a maintenance worker with Transport for London (TFL), a local government body responsible for most of the transport network in London.

Despite his employment status, however, Erouhwo only had a “Limited Leave to Remain Visa”. This meant he could only remain in the UK until his visa expired.

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When his visa eventually expired, he was classified as an overstayer by the British government after he was unable to afford a fee of more than £4,000 for an extension in 2022.

Erouhwo’s immigration status subsequently led to him losing his job with the TFL in the same year. With no income to survive on, the Nigerian, who earned less than the national average salary in the UK, was unable to afford his rent and consequently became homeless.

“I’m shackled and can’t do anything for myself. I’ve never been homeless before; I’ve never been in this situation. I am helpless and destitute,” said Erouhwo.

“There are misconceptions about being homeless; people think we put ourselves in this situation. But that’s not the case when it comes to me.

“If the government would allow me to work, then I would be grateful. All I want is an opportunity to help myself, but I can’t.

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“I’ve been living and working in the UK, paying my taxes for years. Sometimes I think I’d prefer if I died; things would be easier because then there would be no trouble because there’d be no more me. It’s really hard when there’s no way out of this situation right now.”

The Nigerian added that he had been relying on the generosity of strangers to buy biscuits to eat and had also been spending time in libraries for warmth since he became homeless.

Despite the fact that visa fee waivers are available for people who apply for assistance, Erouhwo is yet to receive a response from the Home Office following a waiver application he lodged in April 2023.

He may be deported soon if the visa renewal issue is still not addressed.