A retired shopkeeper from Wallasey, Wirral, has expressed immense joy after being granted British citizenship, a status he has sought for nearly five decades. Nelson Shardey, who arrived in the UK from Ghana in 1977 as a student, faced significant challenges regarding his residency status, which culminated in a denial of his citizenship application in 2019.
In a remarkable turn of events, after a family-led campaign to review his case, the UK government recognized Mr. Shardey’s situation as “exceptional.” This acknowledgment resulted in him being granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK in 2024, paving the way for his recent citizenship approval.
During a ceremony at Wallasey Town Hall, Mr. Shardey expressed his delight, saying he is “over the moon” and feels an overwhelming sense of pride for the country he now officially calls home. He thanked the local community for their support throughout his challenging journey, stating, “While the journey has not been easy and has tested us, I am delighted that this story ends not in frustration, but in belonging.”
Mr. Shardey’s early years in the UK were marked by various jobs, including positions at Mother’s Pride bread and Kipling’s Cakes near Southampton, as well as Bendick’s Chocolate in Winchester. Despite working and living in Britain for decades without any issues, his life took an unexpected turn when he applied for a passport to return to Ghana following the death of his mother. To his shock, he was informed that he was not a British citizen.
Officials instructed him to pursue a costly ten-year route to settlement, which would have required approximately £7,000 for the application and an additional £10,500 to access the National Health Service (NHS). These financial demands posed a significant burden for Mr. Shardey.
However, his family launched a fundraising campaign to support his legal battle, which led to a renewed review of his case by the Home Office. Officials ultimately determined that under the Immigration Act, there was discretion to grant Mr. Shardey indefinite leave to remain outside the usual immigration rules, eventually elevating his status to full citizenship.
Reflecting on his journey, Mr. Shardey remarked on the pride he feels for his new status. He noted, “I feel nothing but pride for the place I call home.” His story highlights the ongoing complexities of immigration and citizenship in the UK, along with the importance of community support in navigating such challenges.
Mr. Shardey’s path to citizenship is not just a personal victory; it underscores the broader issues surrounding immigration policy and the experiences of individuals seeking to establish their lives in a new country. His narrative serves as a reminder of the tenacity required to overcome bureaucratic obstacles and the profound impact of belonging to a community.
