GIS explains why Indian businessman Sivaram was repatriated

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) has explained why the Indian businessman, Ashok Kumar Sivaram was swiftly repatriated last Sunday, a few days after the Supreme Court quashed a High Court decision on his working permit.

According to the GIS  this was done on “grounds of expiration of the businessman’s work and resident permit.”

Read also: Immigration repatriates Indian businessman; Workers demand his return

In a statement signed and issued by Head of Public Affairs of GIS, Mr Micheal Amoako-Atta said “By Section 20 (1) of the Immigration Act, 2000 [Act 573), Mr. Sivaram had overstayed his residence permit which expired on 15th December 2017.

“This rendered his stay in Ghana illegal. Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Immigration, acting in accordance with Section 21 of the Immigration Act, 2000 [Act 573) ordered his repatriation. Mr. Ashok Kumar, has since been repatriated to his home country,” the statement added.

Related: GIS deports Indian businessman Sivaram after Supreme Court quashed High Court decision

Ashok Sivaram, was involved in a legal battle with a business partner, Sachin Nambeear, also an Indian who was a Director, 50% Shareholder of Jai Mai Communications Limited.

Sachin Nambeear, filed a suit on January 24, 2017, at the High Court, Commercial Division 7, against Ashok Sivaram accusing him of breaking his fiduciary duties to the company and demanding damages for same.

On May 5, 2017, the High Court, Commercial Division, appointed Messrs Ernst & Young to go into the account of Jai Mai Communications Limited, for the purposes of valuing the assets of the Company, monies, its liabilities.

Even before the valuation will be completed, Ashok Sivaram was arrested by CEPS officials and deported on June 1, 2017, acting on orders from the Interior Ministry.

Related: Supreme Court quashes High Court order that restored Indian businessman\'s resident permit

Below is the PRESS RELEASE from the GIS

REPATRIATION OF ASHOK KUMAR SIVARAM

The Ghana Immigration Service (GlS) on Sunday, the I I" of March 2018, repatriated Mr. Ashok Sivaram Kumar, an Indian businessman to his home country on the grounds of expiration of his work and residence permits.

It will be recalled that in June, 2017, Mr. Ashok Kumar took the GlS to the High Court over the cancellation of his work and residence permits and subsequent deportation on the orders of the Interior Minister.

The High Court, upheld Mr. Ashok Kumar's application and quashed his deportation order without making consequential orders. He again in September, 2017 sought another order of the High Court to compel the GlS to restore his work and residence permits which the Court granted.

The GlS, believing that it was right in revoking the permit of Mr. Ashck Kumar and that his continuous stay in the country was inimical to the security of the country filed a stay of execution among others through the Office of the Attorney General at the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court upheld the position of the GlS and quashed the ruling of the High Court which had compelled the GlS to restore the work and residence permits of Mr. Ashok Kumar.

By Section 20 {I) of the Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573), Mt. Ashok Kumar had over stayed his residence permit which expired on 15’' December. 2017. This rendered his stay in Ghana illegal. Consequently, the Comptroller General of Immigration, acting in accordance with Section 21 of the Immigration Act, 2000 [Ad 573) ordered his repatriation. Mr. Ashok Kumar, has since been repatriated to his home country.

The GlS wishes to assure the general public that it will continue to deliver on its lawful mandate and ensure that the business environment is serene for all legitimate expatriates to conduct their business.

SIGNED

SUPT. MICHAEL AMOAKO-ATTA HEAD OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Writer's email: enoch.frimpong@graphic.com.gh

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