AN MP is to take up the case of a former jockey who is facing deportation from Britain despite being described as an “asset” to a North-East racing stable.

Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson has described the threat to Carim “Frankie” Mohideen as “ridiculous” and called for common sense to prevail.

The Northern Echo revealed on Monday that Frankie, 54, who works for County Durham trainer Michael Dods, is racing a race against time amid tighter rules over immigration.

He rode nearly 500 winners in India before moving to Britain nine years ago to work at the racing stable at Denton, near Darlington.

Frankie, who was given his nickname because he idolises Frankie Dettori, is registered with the British Horseracing Authority, has paid tax and National Insurance throughout his stay, has never taken a day off, and has never claimed benefits.

However, his work permit runs out on Sunday because he has been unable to pass a stringent Home Office “Life In The UK” examination, which asks questions about British history and culture. Frankie took the test again on Thursday but failed for the fifth time.

Mr Dods, who has been striving to help Frankie pass the test, said: “He’s just a good worker and an asset to the yard but the future for him now looks more uncertain than ever. We appreciate there have to be rules over immigration but it’s hard to find good stable staff and he’s filling a real need here.”

Mr Wilson has now vowed to lobby the Government over Frankie’s plight, saying: “I’ve looked into this and it’s just ridiculous that the rules should work against someone like him.”

The MP said many British people would struggle to answer the questions in the Life In The UK examination.

He added: “He’s not taking anyone else’s job and is clearly highly valued by his employers. There has to be a review of the system in circumstances like this and common sense needs to prevail.”

WOULD YOU PASS THE LIFE IN THE UK TEST?

Here are 10 sample questions...

1.    When did Ireland split into two countries?
a)    1922 b) 1925 c) 1934 d) 1949

2.    For how long did England remain a Republic?
a)    14 years b) 11 years c) 10 years d) 12 years

3.    Which word comes from the Viking language?
a)    Leg b) Arm c) Scunthorpe d) cow

4.    Which operas were written by Gilbert and Sullivan?
a)    Jesus Christ Superstar b) HMS Pinafore and The Mikado c) Evita d) The Phantom of the Opera

5.    What is the judiciary responsible for?
a)    Interpreting the law b) Deciding whether a person is guilty c) Putting people in prison d) Looking after a jury.

6.    What did Henry VII do?
a)    Reduced the power of the nobles b) Increased the power of the nobles c) Restricted kings’ power d) Broke away from the Church of Rome

7.    What did the The Chartists campaign for?
a)    The right to vote for women b) The right to vote for the working class c) The right to vote for 18-year-olds d) The right to vote for 21-year-olds

8.    When is St David’s Day?
a)    March 17 b) March 1 c) April 23 d) November 30

9.    What created the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland?
a)    The Act of Union b) The Great Union c) The Great Governments d) The Act of Governments

10.    When did the first Christians appear in Britain?
a)    3rd and 4th centuries b) 2nd and 3rd centuries c) 4th and 5th centuries d) 1st and 2nd centuries

Answers at foot of page...

The Northern Echo:

Answers: 1 A; 2 B; 3 C; 4 B; 5 A; 6 A; 7 B; 8 B; 9 A; 10 A  ​