An elderly Potters Bar resident has won his long fight against deportation, after being told his health issues ‘weren’t serious enough’ to stay.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Potters Bar resident and US national Albert Dolbec, 90, won his fight to remain in the country. Picture: DANNY LOOPotters Bar resident and US national Albert Dolbec, 90, won his fight to remain in the country. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Archant)

American 90-year-old Albert Dolbec lives with his British wife of almost 25 years Dawn, 84, and has serious health issues including arthritis and diabetes.

But for the past two and a half years, he has been told he must leave the country amid confusion over visas.

Having suffered considerable mental and financial stress since, Albert has been granted indefinite leave to remain (ILR).

Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden joined the couple’s fight, lobbying the Home Office for almost a year.

Mr Dowden said: “I have repeatedly made Albert’s case to UK Visas and Immigration (and) personally engaged with the Home Office a number of times.

“I am delighted that Albert can remain in the UK with his wife and family.

“I know it was a difficult time for the entire family, and I am pleased that this has been resolved.”

After many years living in the US, the couple relocated to Potters Bar in January 2016 when their health started to decline to be closer to Dawn’s family.

Albert lived, worked and married Dawn in the UK in early 1990s and was previously granted ILR back then, but later returned to the country on a visitor’s visa.

When the short-term visa he arrived on in 2016 expired, he was told he had to leave and subsequent appeals to stay were dismissed.

Home Office explained in writing that the reasons and evidence he had given to support his bid, which included his health conditions and dependence on Dawn to care for him, were not sufficient for an exception to be made.