Sam Cataki: Granted ‘indefinite leave’ in citizenship bid

A FIJIAN MAN has been granted ‘indefinite leave’ in his bid to gain citizenship in the United Kingdom, according to information posted on a petition supporting him.

Sam Cataki, who is 36 and was born in Fiji, previously served in the British Army for 12 years and was based at Colchester, Nottingham and Brawdy in 2007, before moving back to Neyland in 2014.

He is a father of two children, Mesake, 5, and Jared, 1, but was told that he could no longer work in the UK legally despite having lived and worked in the country since being recruited by the army age 20.

Last week, after Stephen Crabb MP took his case to Immigration Minister Brandon Lewis, he was allowed to go back to work for Milford Haven Port Authority.

Yesterday (Jun 30), Jonathan Sutton said on the change.org page for Mr Cataki: “Delighted to hear from Sam tonight and discover that as of today he has been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain in the United Kingdom.

“Another huge step in the quest for citizenship.

“Thanks to everyone who has pushed this into the public eye!”

Stephen Crabb MP said: “I am very pleased that Sam has been granted indefinite leave to remain and has been able to return to work. The support show for him by the people of Neyland has been fantastic, and I’m happy to have played my part in ensuring this popular family man can stay in Pembrokeshire.”

Mayor of Neyland, Cllr Simon Hancock said: “Sam is strongly supported by the community of Neyland. His service and loyalty to our country means he has earned British citizenship. He is a great asset to our town and we want the Home Office to recognize that.”

Speaking to the Herald on Monday (Jun 26), Sam said this was the second time that this had happened and that he was waiting for the outcome of his application which is open until December 23, but could be sorted before that time.

He added: “If I came illegally, I would say. But I came here in 2002 from Fiji when I was recruited to join the army.

“I served until I left in 2014 and before I left I applied for citizenship. One of the criteria is that you have to have been living here for five years.

“All I had was three points on my driving licence but I was told I couldn’t attend a speed awareness course because I had just come out of rehab after a knee operation.

“In February, I was told my application was void. I thought ‘how is my application inappropriate?’

“I am really grateful for the amount of support I have received over the last few days from the people of Neyland, Milford Haven and across Pembrokeshire, even from England. The support is tremendous, I can’t thank them enough.”

He went on to say: “I hope they change the way they do things. Being in the armed forces speaks for itself. If they can do it now, it will help those who are still in the forces.”