Phiri, a well-known Zimbabwe activist was detained by UK immigration on Monday and has been kept in detention centre while plans for his deportation were finalised.
The Zimbabwean sought political asylum after entering UK on a Malawian passport in 2003.
Malawian authorities have warned Phiri he will be prosecuted on arrival for fraudulently obtaining that country's passport.
Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika enjoys excellent relations with Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe.
Despite a temporary ban on the deportation of failed Zimbabwean asylum seekers, the UK Home Office is using the technicality that he is a Malawian citizen, based on his passport of entry.
Lawyers representing Phiri were frantically applying for a judicial review to stop the move on Wednesday, but by Thursday morning it appeared Phiri would be leaving for Malawi.
However, Phiri was apparently told by staff at the detention centre on Thursday afternoon that he would not be on the flight to Malawi.
It’s understood a fax from the UK Home Office might be the reason behind the sudden change of plan, but there is yet to be any official confirmation from the Home Office whether Phiri’s deportation has been canceled or not. – Nyasa Times