Bríd Smith demands revocation of deportation order for Miwish Sagib
Bríd Smith raised the case of Miwish Sagib, a woman from Pakistan facing a deportation order after eight years in direct provision, with one child born in the country and a husband; she has completed a degree in early childhood education. Smith called the planned deportation hypocritical in light of protections for Ukrainian people and urged the minister to revoke the deportation order.
Protest and personal details
Smith said she attended a protest at the Department of Justice on behalf of a woman who has three children, one born in this country, and a husband. The woman, identified as Miwish Sagib, has lived eight years in direct provision and has just completed a degree in early childhood education.
Allegation of hypocrisy
Smith said she supports assistance for Ukrainian people but described it as hypocrisy to deport a family that the State has educated and housed under the direct provision system. She highlighted that the woman is ready and willing to work in the education service.
Request to revoke deportation
Smith asked the minister present to look to have the deportation order for Miwish Sagib revoked and to intervene in the case given the family circumstances and the woman's qualifications.
Minister's response
The minister replied that he could not provide an update on the status of any individual deportation issue and noted he could not comment on individual cases. He said he would ensure the Minister for Justice and the Department of Justice were made aware of the matter and would seek to provide a direct answer to Smith.
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Good morning. Yesterday I attended a protest at the Department of Justice for a woman who has three children, one of them born in this country and a husband. She lived eight years in direct provision. She's from Pakistan and has just completed her degree in early childhood education and has a deportation order hanging over her head. Now as somebody who believes in a world sans frontier for people who are desperate, I am delighted what we're doing for the Ukrainian people. But this is hypocrisy to be deporting a family where we've educated them, where they've been living under our system, albeit in direct provision. And we now have a talented woman who's willing and wanting to work in our education service being pushed out of the country. Will you look to have the deportation order for Miwish Sagib revoked? Deputy Smith, I know you are raising this matter for all the right reasons, but equally you know I can't give an update in relation to the status of any individual deportation issue. or anybody whose status has been considered in our country at the moment. I'm sure the Department of Justice are aware of the issue you're raising given the protest that you made reference to, but I'll also make sure the Minister for Justice is aware that you raised this issue with me and see if we can provide a direct answer to you.
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