Jailed asylum seeker can stay here because he’s gay
AN Albanian asylum seeker jailed this week for using a stolen driving licence is set to be allowed to remain in the UK when he has served his time – because he is gay.
An Albanian who got into the UK with a fake passport will be allowed to stay because he is gay
Deporting him would breach his human rights, say lawyers, despite new legislation in Albania which protects homosexuals.
The Balkan state has made “great strides” in embracing gay culture, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights Program says.
But 19-year-old Xuhliano Zota, who entered the UK illegally using a fake Italian passport, maintains it would not be safe for him to be returned because of his sexuality.
He was tried on Monday at Teesside Crown Court
He entered the UK illegally yet it seems when we come to kick him out we are totally impotent
He was working at a car wash in Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham when he was arrested over his papers.
Judge Simon Bourne-Arton QC jailed Zota for six months on Monday at Teesside Crown Court after he admitted possessing a stolen Italian driving licence.
The court heard Zota paid £6,000 in Italy for the stolen licence before entering the UK illegally in July.
Zota’s lawyer Tom Mitchell said: “There are concerns that people are discriminated against in Albania for their sexuality. It looks now as if his pending asylum claim may be successful.”
Albania – where 58 per cent of the population is Muslim and 16 per cent Christian – repealed its laws banning homosexuality in 1995.
In May its government passed further reforms protecting gays from discrimination.
Mr Zota, 19, was arrested whilst working at a car wash in Stockton-on-Tees
Ukip North Yorkshire County Councillor David Simister said: “This just beggars belief.
“He entered the UK illegally yet it seems when we come to kick him out we are totally impotent.
Albania repealed its laws banning homosexuality in 1995
“We must divorce ourselves from the Human Rights Act.”