An Oxford University student who fears for his life if he's deported back to Afghanistan has got a last-minute lifeline after an MP stepped in to help.

Azim Ansari with wife Becky

Azim Ansari, an 18-year-old engineering student, was due to be sent back to his home country on Sunday, but his legal team are looking at options.

One of these involves Dr Evan Harris, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, who has prepared an Early Day Motion for a House of Commons debate in a bid to help Azim stay.

Azim and his brother Wali, 28, fled Afghanistan in 2001 to escape the Taliban and after being smuggled into this country in the back of a lorry they successfully claimed asylum.

In July 2002 they were granted one year's stay -- and Azim won a place at St John's College. He is now in his second year of study.

Last November, Azim married 30-year-old Becky Didlick and they live together in student accommodation at the college.

But despite the brother's fears that they could be murdered if they return home, the Home Office has refused to grant a further extension, stating that it is safe for them to go home.

Dr Harris said: "I strongly support Azim's case. He came from Afghanistan as a child with his brother, learned English, got fantastic A-Level results and Oxford has agreed to waive his fees.

"He is faced with removal to Afghanistan which he does not believe is safe for him given his background.

"He is happily married and the most humane thing would be to let him remain to continue his studies."

Dr Harris said he understood that Mr Ansari was making further legal applications to remain in the country on the basis of his studies and his marriage and hoped the Early Day Motion, calling for the matter to be debated, would be 'tabled' soon.

Campaigner Emma Jones, who has supported Azim in candlelit vigils, said it was a relief that he was not deported at the weekend. She hoped Dr Harris's intervention would help Mr Ansari to stay.

Last night Mr Ansari told the Oxford Mail: "I met Evan and he seemed very nice. He has been extremely helpful and supportive. I really appreciate the support I have got from my fellow students and the local community in Oxford -- people from both town and gown are trying to help me."

A Home Office spokesman said: "We don't normally comment on individual cases but we can confirm that Mr Ansari has not yet been removed."