Had this country had the law back in 1975 that Sir Keir Starmer, the prime minister, is now proposing to introduce — that an immigrant would be required to reside here for 10 years before being entitled to permanent residency — then I would never have fulfilled my great dream to be a journalist (“Migrants face 10-year wait to apply for residency under tougher Labour rules”, Report, May 8; and “Starmer’s tough talk on immigration”, FT View, May 14).
In February 1975, having lived here for five years, I received a letter from a Mr John Crombie of the Home Office, saying: “You are now free to remain permanently in the United Kingdom. You do not require permission from a Government Department to take or change employment in England, Wales or Scotland and you may engage in business or a profession provided you comply with any general regulations governing the business or professional activity.”
I did not know you could get permanent residency after five years and had not even applied to remain here. In fact, having qualified as a chartered accountant, I was on my way back to India where I had been offered a partnership in one of the leading accountancy firms — and also because my parents wanted me to return.
But, despite my father saying there is no money in journalism, I always wanted to be a journalist and, thanks to Mr Crombie, I could return to this country and become one.
I feel so grateful that my memoir is entitled Thank You Mr Crombie.
Mihir Bose
Former BBC Sports Editor, London W6, UK
