A Kosovan national with 13 convictions for 29 offenses has avoided deportation from the UK after an immigration judge determined she is "culturally and socially integrated" into the country. Barbara Osmanovic, 40, who has a history of drug addiction and a significant criminal record, was granted the right to remain on human rights grounds.

Osmanovic, of Roma heritage, arrived in the UK as a child in 2000 and was granted leave to remain in 2006. Her criminal activity began shortly thereafter. An immigration tribunal heard that there is no evidence she has made a positive contribution to life in the UK, despite brief employment in cleaning roles in Birmingham and Manchester.

In April 2023, Osmanovic was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for theft, fraud, attempted burglary, and possession of a knife. The tribunal noted a particularly "mean" campaign of theft targeting vulnerable and disabled individuals. In one instance, she stole a purse from a woman in a wheelchair, including cash and personal items, and then used the victim's card for £1,640 in fraudulent purchases.

The Home Office sought to deport Osmanovic in 2023 due to her persistent offending. However, an immigration tribunal ruled that deportation would be "unduly harsh" under Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The judge found that Osmanovic would face significant difficulties if returned to Kosovo, citing her lack of Albanian language skills, absence of a meaningful support network, and challenges in obtaining necessary documentation for healthcare and lawful residency. The judge also noted her physical health issues, including deformed feet, and mental health problems as factors contributing to potential hardship.

The tribunal concluded that it was "too soon" to determine if Osmanovic had ceased to be a persistent offender and that, despite her criminal history and "chaotic lifestyle," she is socially and culturally integrated into the UK. Osmanovic did not attend her appeal hearing, as she lacked a working phone and her solicitors were unable to contact her.

Previous offenses mentioned include stealing a purse from an elderly woman shopping at Marks and Spencer, an attempted house burglary, and being found in possession of a knife during a search in a car park.

Her defense lawyer in 2023 described her history as "sorry" and attributed her "meanest" offenses to her reliance on class A drugs.