A Canadian man married to a Dungannon native has been deported from Dublin Airport after being refused entry to Ireland, leaving the couple separated as they await an immigration appeal.

Mike Gallagher, originally from Dungannon and now living in Derry, was waiting to collect his husband Terry MacInally at Dublin Airport on June 18. Mr MacInally had been returning from Canada, where he had applied for a UK spousal visa, after being told he could come back while an appeal against a prior refusal was heard. However, immigration officials detained Mr MacInally, citing an alleged previous visa overstay, and placed him on a flight to Boston without allowing him to contact his husband.

Mr Gallagher said he spent six hours at the airport, much of it seeking information from immigration authorities, only to learn Mr MacInally had already been put on a plane. The couple, together for 17 years and married for six, had moved from Toronto to Northern Ireland five years ago. They previously lived in Omagh before settling in Derry.

Mr MacInally, a Canadian citizen, had applied for residence under the EU Settlement Scheme but that application was refused and is under appeal. The subsequent spousal visa application was refused on the grounds of an alleged overstay, a decision also under appeal.

West Tyrone MP Órfhlaith Begley and representatives from First Minister Michelle O’Neill’s office have written to the Home Office requesting Mr MacInally’s return on compassionate grounds. Ms Begley said the couple have strong family ties in the North West and have contributed positively to the community. Omagh Pride chair Oisin Donnelly said both men were valued members of the LGBTQ+ community and appealed to the Home Office to resolve the matter quickly so Mr MacInally could return.