Man Stranded in Turkey for 18 Months Finally Returning to UK

Siyabonga Twala, 35, stranded in Turkey since December 2022 due to a cannabis conviction, will return to the UK soon. The Home Office lifted the ban on him just before a judicial hearing. Twala plans to rebuild his life and career in the UK.

Siyabonga Twala, 35, has been stranded in Turkey since December 2022 after being barred from flying home to the UK due to a cannabis conviction.

Twala, who lives in Chester, was stopped at an Istanbul airport while returning from a family holiday.

The ban was lifted by the Home Office just before a judicial hearing.

Twala was previously jailed for four-and-a-half months in 2018 for cannabis possession with intent to supply.

He has been living in Turkey with help from his family and local people.

Twala expressed his happiness to finally return and plans to rebuild his life and career in the UK.