this is Farhan Zakaria

Teacher

Fluent in 3 languages

Son

Globetrotter

Irregular migrant

Artist

The Push/The Pull

• Farhan’s dad worked for the Bangladesh High Commission. This meant that when he was a child, Farhan moved around a lot, and lived in many different countries.

• In 1996, Farhan’s dad came to the UK to work for the Bangladesh High Commission in London.

• He took Farhan and his family with him to live there.

the case of Farhan Zakaria

©Advanced Sourcing International

The Journey

• Farhan and his family flew from Bangladesh to London by Bangladesh airways.

• The journey took around 13 hours and was very comfortable, with meals, drinks and films to watch – Farhan watched a 1991 movie called ‘The Rocketeer’ starring Jennifer Connolley!

the case of Farhan Zakaria

The Journey

• Farhan and his dad arrived in the UK with visas labelled ‘exempt’ that meant they could stay in the country.

• They touched down at Heathrow airport in west London

• It was a sunny day, Farhan was amazed at the city... All the cars, the buildings, the architecture was amazing!

the case of Farhan Zakaria

Farhan aged 15 when he arrived in the UK

The Reaction• Farhan and his dad were welcomed by immigration

officials when they arrived.

• It was difficult for Farhan to get a school because he arrived in August, just before the new school year began... So his family couldn’t choose the best school, Farhan was given the only school available in Hackney, East London.

• At first, Farhan’s days at school were a nightmare as he couldn’t speak English. But thanks to the he was able to do well in hiteacher’s support s GCSEs – he achieved a C in Humanities with what little English he spoke! Farhan managed to go to college, do A-levels – and after that went to study at Middlesex University!

• Farhan was able to build up friends very quickly – he could speak French fluently which was really different (a Bengali speaking French was unique!).

the case of Farhan Zakaria

Farhan at Leyton Sixth Form College

The Lifestyle

• Farhan has lived in UK for over 12 years

• In that time he has gone to school, college and university, and has trained as a teacher and built his life in the UK

• Farhan has been a teacher for four years and for the last year taught French and Bengali at Sarah Bonnell School

• Since graduating, he has had a job, not depended on any benefits and has been paying taxes like every other UK resident

• He is well known and liked in his school by his students and community for the contribution he makes

the case of Farhan Zakaria

The Lifestyle• In 2000, Farhan’s father stopped

working for the Bangladesh High Commission and there was a change in the law.

• According to the Home Office, Farhan’s visa was no longer valid.

• Now he is facing deportation to Bangladesh, a foreign country he left long ago that he has no roots or life in – he only lived there for three years of his 28 years!

• Farhan was a child when he came to the UK, and has built a life here as a law-abiding adult.

the case of Farhan Zakaria

The Reaction: Government

• The Home Office are saying that because Farhan overstayed, all he has done after that date is irrelevant.

• They also say they have the right to manage the UK’s borders, that Farhan’s case is not an exceptional one, and he must leave voluntarily as he has no right to stay in the UK.

the case of Farhan Zakaria

The Reaction the case of Farhan Zakaria

“Mr Zakaria should not be sent back to Bangladesh as he has been in this country for 12 years. Keep him

here. He was my teacher in Crown Woods secondary school and is a very, very good teacher.”

- Tom, Charlton, London

“Mr Zakaria in a terrific teacher who taught me French and Bengali. He was the one who helped me achieve my potential grades. I can't believe this is

happening! He has the right to stay in the country, as it isn't his fault that he was not aware of the change of law in 2000. How many people can you find

with talents that he has? I am just so shocked and I just wish the best for him as he played an important role in my life by helping me get my grades and

encouraging me to study further. Wish you all the best Mr Zakaria and just keep tight and don't give up.”

- Zakira Begum, Forest Gate, London

Source: Taken from the thisislondon.co.uk messageboard

The Reaction: Media the case of Farhan Zakaria

• The Times Educational Supplement (TES) featured a very sympathetic article on Farhan’s case

• A report on a march that took place by students and teachers was reported on by BBC Radio London. The march also got BBC coverage on the 10 0’clock news, and the following day an article featured in the Evening Standard.

• Recently Farhan’s story has been shown as part of a BBC Panorama programme on migration.

The Resolution?• Farhan wants irregular migrants

like him to be given the chance to stay and work in the UK and become UK Citizens legally.

• For this reason, Farhan is supporting the Strangers into Citizens campaign. This campaign is also supported by Boris Johnson, Mayor of London

the case of Farhan Zakaria

The Resolution? the case of Farhan Zakaria

• Friends and supporters of Farhan have begun petitions for people to sign who support his right to stay in the UK. The online petition has been signed by over a thousand people.

• Farhan’s former school is supporting him. A march was organised where 80 students and 20 staff took part. Staff are collecting money to support Farhan and his family as he is suspended without pay.

The Resolution? the case of Farhan Zakaria

• Farhan is supporting the ‘Strangers into Citizens’ campaign. He made a speech about his experiences at the Young Citizens’ Assembly on April 1st 2009, in front of 1,500 young people.

• Farhan’s story has been reported widely in the media. BBC Panorama have featured his case.

• Farhan’s local MP Stephen Timms is working hard so Farhan can stay in the UK and return to teaching. MPs Jeremy Corbyn and George Galloway have also sent letters to the National Union of Teachers showing their support.

Digging Deeper… the case of Farhan Zakaria

BBC PanoramaProgramme examining the pros and

cons of an earned amnesty for irregular migrants

Support Farhan Website Website supporting Farhan’s campaign

Online PetitionTo sign up to support Farhan’s case to

stay in the UK; read supporters comments

Evening Standard article Article about the recent march/protest by Farhan’s former school

TES article Article about Farhan’s case