AN NHS worker who has helped hundreds of coronavirus victims faces deportation to Pakistan because of a bureaucratic wrangle.

Medical technician Farrukh Sair, who has lived in Britain for 17 years, has appealed against a decision to deny him citizenship.

If he is deported he will leave behind his wife and two children aged seven and two who were both born in Britain.

An online petition against his deportation, launched through the 38 Degrees organisation, has received more than 20,000 signatures.

Mr Sair said: “In the last few months I’ve been working as a Covid support engineer in Covid wards, dealing with 20-odd people a day, putting my and my family’s life at risk. 

“When I’m then treated like this, it’s really disheartening.

“Just months ago,  [Home Secretary] Priti Patel said she was ‘incredibly grateful’ to our front-line workers from abroad. But now I’m being hung out to dry by a cruel system with confusing rules.”

A Home Office spokesman said: “All applications are considered on their individual merits in line with immigration rules. 

“It is inappropriate to comment on this individual case while the appeal is outstanding.”