A second human rights organisation has backed a campaign to allow a failed asylum seeker to stay in this country.

The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) said it could not understand why Mohammed Samad, from Blackthorns, Hurstpierpoint, is being deported to Sri Lanka where he fled violence in 1999.

The organisation said Mr Samad was being treated unfairly by the Government.

A spokesman said: "It is our opinion Mr Samad meets the criteria to stay in this country and should be allowed to stay. I would urge the family to get some more help now."

Justice, another human rights organisation, has also backed Mr Samad's right to stay in Britain.

The JCWI recommends a full amnesty for immigrants who have been in this country for seven years.

It also wants those who have been here for two years and can prove they have been working, can produce good character references or have families, to be given temporary permission followed by full permission to remain after five years.

Mr Samad would fall into the latter category because he arrived just under seven years ago.

He has received glowing references from friends and colleagues at Hurstpierpoint College, where he works as a groundsman.

JCWI also believes the Government must take into account the fact he has a wife and 17-month-old baby, called Oscar, to care for.

The Home Office has ruled that Mr Mohammed must go back to Sri Lanka because it does not consider it a dangerous country, despite the fact there is major fighting there between the Government and Tamil Tiger rebels.