Britain has granted asylum to an injured Afghan interpreter who received death threats from the Taliban, after first rejecting his application.
Mohammad Rafi Hottak, who worked with British armed forces in Afghanistan, told The Times newspaper that he was “very happy” at the decision.
The ruling came three weeks after the UK Border Agency rejected his application because it doubted claims that his life was at risk.
But the agency confirmed on Wednesday it had reversed its decision.
“Following inconsistencies in the original claim, significant new evidence was subsequently put forward resulting in a decision to grant Mr Hottak asylum,” said a statement.
“We are now working with the Ministry of Defence to improve the process for obtaining information about individuals who have worked with the Armed Forces to ensure this does not happen again,” it added.
Hottak, 25, responded: “They have put me through a lot of miserable times. However, finally they have reached the right decision.”
Hottak sustained horrific injuries when he was blown up while on patrol with British forces in Afghanistan in 2007.
He has received frequent death threats from the Taliban, who view Afghans that work with coalition forces as traitors.
Hottak came to Britain in July 2011, leaving his family behind, and has been living in Leicester, central England, while awaiting the government’s decision.
Afghan interpreter gets British asylum after U-turn
