POLITICIANS have backed a Yoker man in his fight against deportation back to Afghanistan.

Cricketer Mirwais Ahmadzai came to Scotland at the age of 16, fleeing persecution and political instability in his native country.

He lived in Yoker before moving to Alexandria and then Dumbarton.

Now, the Home Office are attempting to send the 29-year-old back to the war torn country, where international military forces are still stationed.

The deportation is slated for the end of October.

Mirwais’ teammates from the Vale of Leven Cricket Club have joined the battle to allow him to stay, and have written a letter to local politicians, along with the First Minister.

Now, an MSP and MP have come out in support of the effort to keep Mirwais in the country.

Martin Docherty-Hughes, MP for West Dunbartonshire, said: “I’ve been in touch with the president of Vale of Leven Cricket Club about Mirwais’ plight. This case appears to be yet another example of the UK Government’s hostile environment policy harming people who call Scotland home.

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“My understanding is that Mirwais is a popular and valued member of the cricket club, having joined when he came to Scotland as a child 13 years ago fleeing war and persecution.

“It’s appalling that the Home Office is now attempting to forcibly remove him, and I commend Vale of Leven Cricket Club for speaking out. I will certainly do all I can to help ensure Mirwais is not unfairly treated by the Home Office.”

Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton, said: “The political situation in Afghanistan is fluid to say the least and Mirwais, who came to Scotland when he was 16, could be in danger if he returned.”

A spokesman for the Scottish Government said: “We are sympathetic to those who are facing difficulties navigating the highly complex and increasingly restrictive UK Government Immigration and asylum system.”

“We have consistently urged the UK Government to introduce a more humane, common-sense approach to asylum which treats people with dignity and respect and recognises individual circumstances, including where someone has arrived in the UK as a child and spent a large part of their life here.”

The spokesman said a letter has not arrived at Holyrood yet, but the government will respond to it when it is received.

The Home Office said: “All applications are considered on their individual merits and on the basis of the evidence provided.”

“We do not routinely comment on individual cases.”