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Osama's son prohibited from entering Britain
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Bin Laden's son 'desperate to live in Britain'

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April 30, 2008 16:39 IST

Omar Laden, the son of Osama bin Laden, has been banned from entering Britain to live with his new wife because of fears that his presence would cause 'considerable public concern'.

British visa officials have reportedly told Omar Osama bin Laden that there is evidence that he is still loyal to his father, who is held responsible for the July 7 London [Images] bombings.

Omar, 27, is appealing against the refusal to grant him a visa and says that it is wrong to ban him from Britain on the basis of his parentage and inaccurate media reports about his beliefs, The Times reported on Wednesday.

He wants to live in Cheshire with his British wife, Zaina Alsabah bin Laden, 52, formerly known as Jane Felix-Browne.

The couple were married in Saudi Arabia last year after a holiday romance but have been living in Egypt while waiting for Omar's visa application to be processed. His application was reportedly refused by an entry clearance officer at the British Embassy in Cairo.

The embassy said that the decision had been made on the ground that "exclusion from the United Kingdom is conducive to the public good...in the light of the character, conduct or association of the person seeking leave to enter it is undesirable to give him leave to enter."

"I note that statements made during recent media interviews indicate evidence of continuing loyalty to your father, and your presence in the UK could, therefore, cause considerable public concern," he was further quoted as saying.

The couple has lodged an appeal to be heard by an immigration judge, claiming that the decision is unjust and arbitrary. They say there is no evidence that Omar's presence in Britain would be a security risk.


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