A man with Down's Syndrome who is fighting against deportation to Lebanon has been granted a 30-month extension to his right to remain in the UK, it is understood.
Wadih Chouery's family have said the 45-year-old's learning disabilities meant he would be at risk of exploitation and abuse were he sent back to Beirut.
More than 80,000 people have signed a petition supporting his right to remain in the UK, where he has lived for more than 17 years, and his case has been taken up by Twickenham MP Tania Mathias and her predecessor Vince Cable.
It is understood the extension will take him beyond the 20 years normally required to secure permanent residency in the UK.
Mr Chouery lives with his family in Twickenham and is a popular figure at their café Joseph's Patisserie, in Isleworth, where he occasionally helps out.
His brother, Camil, said: "Wadih's very relieved and happy because this means he can lead a more normal life. We're very grateful to everyone who has supported us."
Ms Mathias said: "Wadih Chourey has contributed so much to his local community and I am delighted that the Home Office has decided to grant him additional leave to remain - this is a very positive sign for the future.
"Whilst there is still much work to do, I hope that common sense will prevail and that Wadih will be granted Indefinite Leave to Remain once his appeal is heard."
Colin Marsh, of The Old Isleworth Four Roads Residents' Association, which has been a prominent supporter of Wadih, said he was delighted at the news.
However, he warned it was important to keep campaigning as the extension, while granting some security, did not mean the battle was won.
"The feeling is that it's a three-year visa extension because it saves face for everyone at the Home Office," he said.
"We believe that after three more years he will have been here the 20 years required for permanent residency, but it's important to keep pushing."
Mr Chouery has severe learning disabilities and struggles to carry out basic tasks, but his family say they have always supported him without claiming any benefits.
His brothers have said there is no one to care for him in his native Beirut since both their parents are dead.
They claimed that when he lived in Beirut people would take advantage of Wadih and make him break into houses for them.
The Home Office had previously said Mr Chouery failed to meet the necessary requirements to remain in the UK.
Its decision to refuse his application had been backed up by the courts and it is understood he is still waiting for his appeal to be heard.
A Home Office spokesman said: "We do not routinely comment on individual cases."
