AN Algerian man deported more than two weeks ago is due to return to Ireland today, having been granted permission by the Department of Justice to reenter the State.
Mr Madani Haouanoh's family members said last night they were "delighted" with the move, which brings to a close their court action challenging his deportation.
Mr Haouanoh (24), who had lived in Ireland for five years and has an Irish wife, was deported after being detained at Dublin airport on October 26th. He had arrived on a private flight from France where he had been visiting relatives. He did not have a valid visa or work permit and was deported three days later.
Mr Haouanoh was escorted by two immigration officers to Heathrow airport for a connecting flight to Algiers about an hour before the High Court granted a temporary injunction staying his deportation.
Mr Haouanoh's brother, Nacer, a Dublin restaurant owner who has lived in Ireland for nine years, said he and his brother were delighted the "nightmare" was over.
He said his brother, who lives with him at Rowan Hall, Milltown, Dublin, would fry to get a flight from Algiers to London today, but that it was not "straightforward" to get out of the country.
If he did not get the flight to London, he would fry to fly to France or wait until next Tuesday for the next direct flight to London.
Mr Haouanoh's Irish wife, Ms Alice Sheppard (23), said she planned to celebrate her husband's return with a party.
Mr Haouanoh's solicitor, Mr Dermot Coyne, confirmed last night that the High Court action to have two Garda immigration officials who deported his client jailed for alleged contempt of court would be dropped within two weeks.
Mr Coyne said he was notified by the Department of Justice earlier this week that Mr Haouanoh's application for a re entry visa had been successful.
He said his client was issued with a letter in lieu of a visa which he must present with his passport to the Department of Foreign Affairs within three days of his arrival to have his visa issued.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Justice said "all necessary administrative arrangements would be made to assist Mr Haouanoh's return to the State on foot of the letter".