A convicted Albanian drug dealer who re-entered Britain after being deported has been granted permission to stay in the country based on human rights grounds, with a court ruling that his deportation would be 'unduly harsh' on his wife. Dardan Hoxhaj, 31, was originally jailed for three years in 2018 for his involvement in a drug trafficking operation valued at approximately £750,000.
Following his deportation to Albania, Hoxhaj returned to the UK approximately one month later, though the method of his re-entry remains unclear. Immigration authorities did not detect his return for nearly three years. He was initially convicted of four offenses, including conspiring to supply controlled drugs and possessing a false identity document.
Hoxhaj’s legal team appealed his deportation, arguing that his wife, an Albanian citizen, would suffer significant difficulties if she were required to return to Albania with him. Court documents indicate his wife has experienced trauma, including being trafficked, and suffers from complex post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. A social worker’s evidence submitted to the tribunal stated that Hoxhaj plays a crucial role in maintaining the emotional and physical stability of the household.
The defense further argued that Hoxhaj's partner experiences panic attacks and would be unable to care for their son, who has special health needs, without his assistance. It was also claimed that Hoxhaj provides essential domestic support, including cooking, cleaning, and allowing his wife time to rest.
Judge Fiona Lindsley determined that the arguments presented by Hoxhaj's legal team were legally sufficient to permit him to remain in the UK. The judge's decision noted that considerations of both emotional and physical harm were taken into account when concluding that the scenario of deportation would be unduly harsh. Specific examples cited included the partner's inability to manage their son's asthma care without Hoxhaj's help and his provision of essential household duties.