Officials told him to apply for the 10-year route to settlement.

Over the 10 years it costs about £7,000, with a further £10,500 over the same period to access the NHS.

“I cannot afford to pay any part of the money they are asking,” said Mr Shardey, who is recovering from prostate cancer.

“Telling me to go through that route is a punishment, and it’s not fair in any way.”

“I don’t understand why this fuss at all, because I put my life, my whole self into this country. “

When he tried to extend his right to stay in the UK online two years ago, he filled out the wrong form.

That meant the 10-year process had to begin again in 2023.

As a result, Mr Shardey will not be allowed to stay in the UK permanently until he is 84.

“I just thought it was a joke. It’s just ridiculous,” said his son Jacob, who does research in cardiovascular physiology.

“Why would he need to go and start this 10-year route when he’s been here since 1977?

“He’s been here longer than the people who are working in the Home Office on his case have been alive.”

‘Exceptional facts’