by Adam Williams

An Afghan teenager faces the prospect of deportation before Christmas after having his asylum application rejected.

Awalkhan Adel (pictured), who has lived and studied in Canterbury for the last three years, could be sent back to his home country if an asylum and immigration tribunal on Tuesday, December 15 at London’s Taylor House, goes against him.

The 19-year-old has made friends in the city, studied at college and also enjoyed two successful seasons playing for Harbledown Cricket Club.

The news has come as a huge shock to his mentor and sponsor Margaret Love, a volunteer with the Kent Refugee Action Network.

She said: “Awalkhan came here and very quickly settled into life, made friends, learnt the language and started studying at college. Two years ago, I managed to get him involved with the cricket club and he has made new friends there as well.

“His way of thinking has changed considerably since he’s been here, so returning to Afghanistan would be very difficult for him."

Awalkhan could be granted leave to remain if it can be shown he has made friends in the community and is contributing to local life.

Until the date of his hearing, Awalkhan is required to report to the UK Border Agency offices in Folkestone on a weekly basis, so they can check his paperwork.

He said: “It’s frustrating, it’s the same thing every week and I have to just wait until my hearing.

“I want to stay here because people have helped save my life. It would be too dangerous for me to go back home now.”

Read more reaction in this week's Kentish Gazette, out Thursday.