Source link : https://london-news.net/headline-award-winning-author-blocked-from-uk-premiere-of-his-own-migrant-story-amid-visa-controversy/
The author of a critically acclaimed memoir chronicling his experiences as a refugee has been denied a UK visa to attend the premiere of its stage adaptation in London, created by one of Britain’s foremost playwrights.
Ibrahima Balde, residing in Spain, received notification from the UK government expressing concerns that he would not return home following the debut of Little Brother, which is set to open at the Jermyn Street Theatre next week.
Balde’s memoir, titled Little Brother: An Odyssey to Europe, details his harrowing journey through the Sahara in search of his younger brother, Alhassane, who left school in Guinea, West Africa, to support their family.
The book’s success garnered Balde a meeting with the late Pope Francis, and it has been adapted for the stage by Timberlake Wertenbaker, an Olivier award-winner recognized by the Washington Post as a leading figure in political theatre during the late 20th century.
The Jermyn Street Theatre supported Balde’s visa application for his planned visit to London for the premiere on May 20. He was scheduled to stay with Wertenbaker during his trip.
In its refusal letter dated May 13, the Home Office stated it was “not satisfied that you have demonstrated your circumstances are as declared, or that you intend to depart the UK after your visit.”
The correspondence further clarified: “Any future visa applications will be evaluated on their own merits, but you are likely to be denied unless there are changes in…
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Publish date : 2025-05-15 17:05:00
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