Iraqi businessman denied entry to UK blames US interrogation nearly 20 years ago

An Iraqi businessman, whose identity is protected by legal reasons, is seeking a reconsideration of his visa application to the UK. He claims his recent denial of entry was due to his detainment by US forces in 2007. The 72-year-old owns a business and property in Iraq and has three grown-up children, one of whom lives in the UK.

DNM applied for a visa in March 2025 but it was denied on the grounds that his presence in the UK would not be "conducive to the public good". The Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) found that officials did not follow their own guidance when making the decision, and sent the case back to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood for reconsideration.

According to DNM's son, his father was detained during the "surge" policy implemented by the Bush administration, but it was "short-lived and superficial". He was not subjected to extensive interrogation and was released without facing charges. The businessman's son emphasized that his father was not involved with any terrorist activities, as his uncle, who is a deceased policeman, had been a victim of a terrorist bombing.

SIAC highlighted that the decision to refuse the visa was not consistent with the guidance, which requires a thorough and methodical approach. They criticized the lack of rigor in the initial refusal, stating that the material available to the Secretary of State was not considered as required by the guidance.