Exclusive: Refugee status granted despite attempt by former home secretary James Cleverly to block 26-year-old’s claim
A Palestinian citizen of Israel has been granted asylum in the UK on the basis of a “well-founded fear of persecution” despite a former home secretary’s attempt to block the claim.
Hasan (not his real name) is believed to be the first Palestinian with an Israeli passport to be given refugee status in the UK. But the decision came only after two about-turns by the Home Office and a protracted legal battle.
The 26-year-old was born in Israel but despite spending almost his entire life in the UK with his mother and siblings was denied leave to remain or citizenship. He claimed asylum on the basis that he would face persecution in Israel because he had been involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations in person and online while in the UK and would also face discrimination as a Palestinian and a Muslim.
His initial application was refused but on 11 March 2024, the day before his first tier tribunal hearing, Hasan was told he would be granted refugee status subject to passing security checks. However, after media reporting, the Home Office withdrew that decision after an intervention by James Cleverly, who was home secretary at the time.
