#uk visa rejected
Explore tagged Tumblr posts
uk-visa-updates · 1 month ago
Text
UK Visa Refused? Know your best options: Administrative Review, Appeal, or Reapplication?
Tumblr media
Introduction
It might be very disheartening to have your UK visa denied, but it's not necessarily the end of the story. Depending on the particular circumstances behind your UK visa refusal, there are several possible avenues to pursue, each with unique complexities and appropriateness.
Understanding UK Visa Refusal
A critical first step is to carefully review the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) denial letter. This paper serves as a road map for your next steps by outlining the precise reasons why your UK visa application was rejected. Understanding these factors in detail is crucial since they serve as the cornerstone of every subsequent UK visa application action.
Options after UK visa refusal
Tumblr media
Following a UK visa refusal, you may have the following options:
UK Visa Administrative Review
UK Visa Appeal
UK visa Reapply
1. UK Visa Administrative Review:
The decision is examined for any case-working mistakes through this internal UKVI process.
A decision is usually made within 28 days, making it a faster option than an appeal. However, unless expressly requested, the scope for presenting fresh evidence is restricted.
Certain visa categories, such as student visas, short-term work visas, skilled worker visas, and certain Tier 1 visas, are subject to administrative assessment. 
youtube
2. UK Visa Appeal
An impartial tribunal reviews the ruling in this official legal procedure.
The panel may not render a decision for several months. New material supporting your UK visa case might be submitted through the appeals procedure.
Appeals are restricted to particular circumstances, such as denials pertaining to human rights claims, the EU Settlement Scheme, and specific asylum or protection petitions.
3. UK visa Reapply or Reapplication
This entails reapplying with updated documentation, the visa cost, and a direct response to the reasons for the prior denial of a UK visa. Reapplying usually doesn't have a waiting time, but it's important to address the problems mentioned in the letter of rejection before doing so.
Choosing the Right Path After Your UK Visa refusal
The most suitable option hinges on the grounds for refusal and the specific details outlined in your UK visa refusal letter.
Seeking guidance from an immigration lawyer like The Smartmove2UK can be invaluable, especially in complex cases or instances of multiple refusals.
Key Considerations When Reapplying your UK Visa
Time:
While there isn't a mandatory waiting period, rushing into a reapplication without resolving the issues can lead to another UK visa refusal.
So, Take the time to gather and present stronger evidence.
Addressing Refusal Reasons:
Particularly address each reason for refusal, providing updated documentation, clarifying any inconsistencies, and demonstrating how you have rectified the issues.
Additional Evidence:
Include new and more compelling evidence, such as updated financial statements, employment verification, or proof of ties to your home country, to strengthen your UK visa application.
Interview Preparation:
If an interview is required, be prepared to discuss the reasons for the previous visa refusal and confidently speak how you have addressed them.
Professional Guidance:
Navigating the complications of UK visa reapplications or appeals can be overwhelming.
Seeking expert advice from the UK immigration specialist solicitor can be crucial.
These professionals possess the expertise to:
Assess Your Situation: Determine the most suitable path forward - administrative review, appeal, or reapplication - based on the specifics of your refusal.
Guide You Through the UK visa Process: Help you understand the intricacies of each option and provide support in preparing a robust application or appeal.
Increase Your Chances of Success: Speak up for yourself and make a compelling argument to the appropriate authorities.
Moving Forward: Remember, a UK visa refusal doesn't have to be the end of your UK aspirations.
By understanding the UK refusal reasons, taking appropriate action, and potentially seeking expert guidance from The SmartMove2UK, you can increase your chances of achieving a successful outcome.
UK Visa Refusal FAQ
What should I do if my UK visa application is refused?
Don't give up!
Your dreams of moving to the UK are not over if your visa is denied. Examine your UKVI denial letter carefully to learn the precise grounds for the rejection.
This will direct your subsequent actions. Administrative Review, Appeal, or Reapplication are your three main alternatives.
What is an Administrative Review and is it right for me?
An internal UKVI procedure called Administrative Review examines your application for case-working errors. It provides little opportunity to provide fresh information, although it is faster than an appeal (typically concluded within 28 days).
Certain visa types, such as student visas, short-term work visas, skilled worker visas, and certain Tier 1 visas, offer this option.
What is the process for appealing a UK visa refusal?
A formal legal procedure known as an appeal is used to have an impartial tribunal assess the UKVI ruling. A ruling may not be received for several months.
You can present fresh evidence to strengthen your position, unlike in Administrative Review.
Only particular circumstances may be appealed, such as human rights concerns, denials of EU Settlement Scheme applications, and specific protection or asylum petitions.
Can I reapply for a UK visa after a refusal?
Yes, you can reapply at any time.
There's no mandatory waiting period but rushing into a reapplication without addressing the initial refusal reasons can lead to another rejection.
Take time to rectify the issues, gather stronger evidence, and submit a new application with the visa fee.
How can I improve my chances of success when reapplying a UK visa?
To increase your chances of a successful reapplication:
Address each refusal reason meticulously: Provide updated documentation, clarify any inconsistencies, and demonstrate how you've rectified the issues.
Include additional compelling evidence: Strengthen your application with new evidence like updated financial statements, employment verification, or stronger proof of ties to your home country.
Prepare thoroughly for your interview (if required): Confidently articulate how you've addressed the previous refusal reasons.
When is it beneficial to seek professional help for a UK visa refusal?
Navigating the complexities of UK visa reapplications or appeals can be overwhelming. Consulting an immigration lawyer or consultant is especially valuable for complex cases or multiple refusals. They can:
Assess your situation: Determine the best path forward – Administrative Review, Appeal, or Reapplication – based on the specifics of your refusal.
Guide you through the process: Help you understand the intricacies of each option and assist in preparing a robust application or appeal.
Increase your chances of success: Advocate on your behalf and present a strong case to the relevant authorities.
What are the key takeaways from a UK visa refusal?
A visa refusal is not the end. By understanding the reasons for the refusal, taking appropriate action, and potentially seeking expert guidance, you can significantly increase your chances of achieving a successful outcome.
0 notes
the-proeducator-blog · 26 days ago
Text
Top Reasons Why UK Student Visas Get Rejected (and How to Avoid Them)
The dream of studying in the UK can come to a screeching halt if your student visa application is rejected. While the process of obtaining a UK student visa is straightforward, mistakes or oversight can cost you the opportunity. In this guide, we’ll discuss the most common reasons why UK student visas get rejected and share actionable tips to ensure your application is successful. For a step-by-step breakdown of the application process, check out How to apply for UK student visa.
Tumblr media
1. Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
One of the leading reasons for visa rejections is incomplete or improperly filled documents. The UK visa authorities are strict about adhering to guidelines, and even a minor error can lead to rejection.
What to do:
Double-check every document before submission.
Use the checklist provided during the online application process.
Ensure all personal details match those on your passport.
2. Insufficient Financial Proof
The UK government requires proof that you can support yourself financially during your studies. If the provided financial documents fail to meet the minimum criteria, your visa may be refused.
What to do:
Show bank statements demonstrating the required funds (tuition + living costs) for at least 28 consecutive days.
Make sure the funds are in your or your parent's account (if applicable).
Include an affidavit of support if someone else is funding you.
3. Failing the Credibility Interview
The credibility interview is designed to confirm your intentions to study in the UK and your knowledge of the course/university. Nervousness or insufficient preparation can lead to doubts about your eligibility.
What to do:
Be clear about why you chose your course, university, and the UK.
Research details about your program, such as modules, career prospects, and university ranking.
Practice your responses to common visa interview questions.
4. English Language Requirements Not Met
Applicants must meet the English language requirements, usually by taking an approved English test (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE). Submitting scores below the accepted threshold can result in visa rejection.
What to do:
Take the English proficiency test seriously and achieve the required score for your course.
Submit valid proof of your English scores.
Tumblr media
5. Suspicious or Fraudulent Documents
Providing fake or suspicious documents, intentionally or unintentionally, can result in a visa rejection and even a ban on future applications.
What to do:
Only submit genuine documents.
Work with trusted agencies or advisors to verify paperwork.
If applying independently, carefully follow the UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) guidelines.
6. Lack of Travel History or Immigration Violations
If you have no prior travel history or a record of overstaying visas, it may raise concerns for the UK immigration authorities.
What to do:
Be transparent about your travel history during the application.
Avoid providing misleading information about previous visas or stays in other countries.
7. Applying Too Late
Waiting until the last moment to apply can leave no room for corrections or resubmissions in case of errors. Late submissions may also overlap with visa processing delays.
What to do:
Apply at least 3-6 months before your course start date.
Regularly check your application status on the official portal.
How to Avoid a UK Student Visa Rejection
Here’s a quick recap to ensure a smooth approval process:
Carefully prepare your documents and financial proof.
Practice for your credibility interview.
Meet all English language requirements.
Submit genuine documents and accurate information.
Apply early to allow time for corrections if needed.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can significantly improve your chances of securing a UK student visa. To know the complete step-by-step application process, check out this detailed guide: How to apply for UK student visa.
Tumblr media
Conclusion
Applying for a UK student visa can feel overwhelming, but with careful preparation and attention to detail, you can ensure success. Avoiding these common pitfalls is key to a smooth and stress-free visa process. Follow the right steps, gather the necessary documents, and ace your interview—your UK academic journey awaits!
If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with other students aspiring to study in the UK. 🌟
0 notes
intimeimmigration · 8 months ago
Text
Tumblr media
Applying for a Private Life Visa in the UK is daunting. This is filled with complicated legalities. That's where a solicitor becomes your secret weapon. 
Our solicitors have expertise in immigration law. They are always up-to-date on ever-changing visa processes. With us, you are assured that your application meets all requirements avoiding delays or rejections. We keep you informed and answer all your queries.
Say no to the risks of your Private Life Visa application by going it alone. 
Reach out to us for a free consultation today! 
Visit us here: https://intimeimmigration.co.uk/private-life-application/ 
0 notes
tripsawaytours · 11 months ago
Text
How Can I Apply for a Luxembourg Visa from Dubai?
check out this for applying luxembourg visa from dubai.
0 notes
ayjsolicitors2 · 1 year ago
Text
UK visa rejections may occur due to incomplete documentation, insufficient financial evidence, or discrepancies in the information provided. Common reasons include failure to meet eligibility criteria, lack of ties to the home country, and concerns about the genuineness of the purpose of the visit. Understanding and addressing these reasons is crucial for a successful visa application process.
0 notes
sayruq · 8 months ago
Text
Tumblr media
The UK government has revoked the student visa of a Palestinian student who lost relatives in Gaza after she spoke at a demonstration at the University of Manchester. Dana Abuqamar, a law student who heads the Friends of Palestine Society at the University of Manchester, said the UK government revoked her visa on “national security” grounds, after claiming she was a risk to public safety. “The claim they are making is baseless and violates my rights as a resident here in the UK. My legal team has lodged a human rights appeal against this decision to revoke my student visa in my last and final year as a law student,” Abuqamar said, speaking to Al Jazeera English, confirming that her visa had been revoked. Last year, Abuqamar revealed that she had lost at least 15 relatives in Gaza after the Israeli army bombed a three-storey building in the besieged enclave. “During this genocide, the UK Home Office decided to revoke my student visa following public statements supporting the Palestinian right to exercise under international law to resist oppression and break through the siege that was illegally placed on Gaza for over 16 years,” said Abuqamar. “Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, but it seems to not apply to ethnic minorities, particularly Muslims and Palestinians like myself. We must reject the double standard in the application of human rights by public authorities and rise against this oppression.” A spokesperson for the UK Home Office said it did not respond to individual cases.
5K notes · View notes
achal092411 · 1 year ago
Text
Tumblr media
One of the important steps after facing a UK Spouse visa refusal is - Understanding the grounds for denial and what to do if your UK Spouse visa is refused. This will help you choose between appealing against the decision or re-applying. Seeking legal help is advisable in such cases. To know More about which options will be better for your case, contact The SmartMove2UK on +91 98191 27002 or email at [email protected]
0 notes
smartmovetouk · 1 year ago
Text
What to do in case of a UK Visa Refusal? 
0 notes
sm2uk · 2 years ago
Text
0 notes
doverchivost · 1 month ago
Text
Selling my tickets for #TIT
There’s even a golden one 😭
The other day I’ve received a devastating letter stating that my UK visa application got rejected:
Tumblr media
The sole purpose of this trip was to attend D&P’s TERRIBLE INFLUENCE TOUR
And as I won’t be able to come and tickets seem to be non-refundable, I hope there are people who’d like to buy them:
London, 26 Jan, 7:00 PM, 1 GOLDEN: Stalls A8 ⭐️ - 178£
Brighton, 19 Jan, 8:00 PM, 2 tickets: Stalls (Centre) C 57,58 - 72£
Manchester, 30 Jan, 7:00 PM, 2 tickets: Circle D 18,19 or 19,20 - 104£
TOTAL: 354£
#DANANDPHIL #terribleinfluencetour
@danielhowell @amazingphil
68 notes · View notes
brf-rumortrackinganon · 3 months ago
Note
These 2 always run away from everywhere when their real color gets exposed - MM ran from Canada to the UK, they both then ran away to Canada and then to the US and now probably planning another run away strategy to Portugal since they can't fool the Americans anymore.
The Montecito community welcomed them quite wholeheartedly and yet H&M managed to make even the richest of the rich loathe them so I won't be surprised if the same happens in Portugal as well.
Meghan was essentially fired from Suits in 2016 because Patrick wanted off the show and her character had no storyline without him. So she lined up her next gig (celebrity superstar wife) and quit before they could fire her so she could claim they needed her more than she needed them.
The Sussexes were getting sidelined in the BRF because Harry was no longer in the main line of succession, and the further from the main line you are, the less spotlight and the less glamorous your events. So they lined up their next gig (celebrity superstar couple) and moved out before the BRF could relegate them further to the sidelines with itineraries of bread-and-butter royal work so they could claim the BRF needed the Sussexes more than the Sussexes needed the BRF.
(I don’t count the ‘Canada to LA’ move because I suspect they were always here in the US and Canada was just where they spent New Year’s.)
If the Portugal move is real, I’d suspect it’s because of immigration and visa concerns - maybe it’s political, maybe it’s about proximity to the UK in Charles’s older age, an attempt to serve as checks and balances to William’s ascendancy, or maybe it’s about access to Europe and Africa for the continued grift. After all, Eden pointed out Portugal’s visa process in his stories for a reason - rather than Montecito being fed up with their BS. Because if it was about Montecito or Hollywood rejecting them, I think we’d see them trying to move to Miami, since that’s where “their” people are now.
Also, for the record and to be clear, the property Charles bought in NYC isn’t a personal property. It’s for the Canadian embassy. The clue is right there in the paperwork: “His Majesty the King in Right of Canada.” If it was a personal property purchased by Charles for himself or a wayward son, it’d have been bought by a trust or something that would obscure his name from casual public interest.
60 notes · View notes
uk-visa-updates · 3 months ago
Text
How to Appeal a UK Visa Refusal: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Tumblr media
UK visa refusal is heartbreaking and stressful, but here’s the good news: a refusal doesn’t always mean the end of the road.
In fact, in many cases, you have the opportunity to appeal the decision, challenging the Home Office and possibly reversing their decision.
First Things First: What Does Your Refusal Notice Say?
The moment you get that dreaded refusal letter, the first step is to read it carefully. This notice will break down why your visa application got rejected, whether due to missing documents, failing to meet certain criteria, or other reasons.
Understanding the specific grounds for refusal is essential because this will guide your next move. Take the time to go through it with a fine-tooth comb!
Can You Even Appeal?
Not all visa refusals come with the right to appeal—this is key. Whether or not you can appeal depends on the type of visa you applied for and the reasons stated in your refusal notice.
Typically, you have the right to appeal if your visa refusal involves:
Tumblr media
Protection claims like asylum or humanitarian protection
Human rights violations
Residence documents under European regulations
Revocation of British citizenship
Decisions under the EU Settlement Scheme
If you applied under the points-based system (PBS)—for work or business-related visas—you might only have the option for an Administrative Review rather than a full appeal.
Picking the Right Appeal Path
So, what's your next step?
Tumblr media
There are a few different routes you could take:
Administrative Review (AR): This is an internal Home Office review. A different caseworker reviews your application to see if there were any errors in the initial processing. This is common for PBS visa applicants.
First-Tier Tribunal Appeal: This is where your case is heard by an independent judge. You’ll present your case, as will the Home Office, and the judge will make the final call.
Judicial Review: If you believe the Home Office’s decision was unlawful or unfair, you can challenge it in the High Court. Judicial reviews are usually more complicated and require solid grounds, like procedural unfairness.
Choosing the right path can be tricky, and consulting an immigration solicitor at this stage is often the best idea.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Appeal Process
Ready to appeal?
Here’s what you need to do:
Tumblr media
1. Get Expert Legal Help
Though not mandatory, hiring an immigration solicitor is highly recommended. Their expertise can be invaluable in navigating the complex legal landscape and preparing a rock-solid appeal.
2. Confirm Your Right to Appeal
Double-check your refusal notice. It should clearly state whether you have the right to appeal and what kind of appeal you’re entitled to. Keep an eye on deadlines—appeals often come with strict time limits!
3. Analyze the Refusal Reason
Work with your solicitor to dissect the refusal reasons. What went wrong in your initial application? Figuring this out is key to crafting a strong appeal case.
4. Build Your Case
With your solicitor, gather any supporting evidence that counters the Home Office’s decision. This might include additional documents, witness statements, or expert opinions. The goal here is to address the weaknesses pointed out in your refusal notice.
5. Submit Your Appeal
Most appeals can be filed online through the MyHMCTS service. However, for some cases like EU Settlement Scheme appeals, you may need to submit a paper form. The fees are £140 for appeals with a hearing, and £80 for those without.
6. Attend the Hearing (If required)
If your case goes to a tribunal, you’ll be informed of the hearing date. Here, you (or your solicitor) will present your case to an immigration judge. The judge will review the evidence and decide whether to uphold or overturn the refusal.
What About Timelines?
The appeal process can be slow.
Depending on the complexity of your case and how busy the tribunal is, it could take several months to get a final decision.
It’s a long process, so patience is key!
Why You Should Consider Hiring an Immigration Solicitor
Let’s face it—the UK immigration appeal process can feel like a confusion. Having an immigration solicitor on your side can make all the difference.
Here’s why:
Expert knowledge: Immigration solicitors know the ins and outs of UK immigration laws, as well as how to navigate the appeal process effectively.
Strategic approach: They can identify the strongest grounds for your appeal, helping you build a compelling case.
Representation: From communicating with the Home Office to representing you at hearings, a solicitor ensures that your case is presented in the best possible light.
The SmartMove2UK is a UK visa refusal consultant in India. Our UK-qualified immigration solicitor and lawyers are well versed in all matters concerning UK Visa Refusals. We have filed many reviews and appeals for our clients, who were then able to travel to the UK without any worries.
Tumblr media
Conclusion: Keep Fighting for Your UK Visa
A UK visa refusal is a setback, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your journey. If you believe the Home Office made the wrong decision, an appeal gives you the chance to set things right.
Engaging an experienced immigration solicitor can make a world of difference, helping you navigate the complexities of the process and boosting your chances of success.
Don’t give up—you’ve still got options!
0 notes
magz · 10 months ago
Text
Palestine Summary: March 13 to March 15, 2024. From "Let's Talk Palestine". Quote:
March 13. Day 159
🇬🇧 In an unprecedented move for a Western state, UK granted asylum to Palestinian w/ Israeli citizenship, overturning their 2022 rejection. His request was largely based on risk of persecution under Israel’s “apartheid” regime. This is first official Western recognition Palestinian reality under Israeli apartheid, even if the UK didn’t explicitly label it apartheid. More on abuse of Palestinians w/ Israeli citizenship: https://tinyurl.com/292zvw7p
🇿🇦 South Africa announces that citizens enlisted in Israeli forces will be arrested upon returning + possibility of stripping citizenship from dual South African-Israeli citizens
• 13-year-old Rami Halhouli shot & killed by Israeli forces in Jerusalem (West Bank) while playing w/ fireworks; Israel National Security Minister Ben-Gvir praised this as “exceptional work”
🇺🇳 Israel bombs UNRWA aid distribution center in “safe zone” Rafah, 5+ killed incl. 1 UN staff
• 88 Palestinians killed, 135 injured in Gaza in past 24 hours
March 14.
Day 160
🚨 Another horrifying massacre of aid seekers in Gaza City as Israeli forces opened fire and killed 21+ Palestinians, injured 155+, death toll expected to rise. Israel’s blockade is obstructing entry & distribution of aid, purposefully starving Palestinians while they repeatedly massacre them as they seek the little aid allowed in
🇺🇸 US sanctions 3 more Israeli settlers + 2 outposts (settlements illegal under Israeli law) in West Bank; first US sanction of entire settlement over just individuals
• Israel witholds body of 13-year-old Palestinian killed by IOF to deter mourning gatherings & curtail attention to the killing of Palestinians; witholding remains of 65 Palestinians killed in West Bank since Oct 7
🇦🇺 Australia revoked visitor visas issued to Palestinians fleeing Gaza while enroute — saying they didn’t intend a “temporary” visit. Australia advising they apply for this visa, issuing the same visa’s to fleeing Ukranians without the expectation they were tourists
March 15, message.
🚨 Last night, Israel massacred Palestinians in Gaza City as they gathered waiting for aid trucks, killing over 40 people and injuring at least 160 more. Israeli forces fired live ammunition at the crowd from helicopters and tanks, leaving many to bleed out on the street.
This marks the 7th attack on aid seekers during this genocide, highlighting a pattern amidst the constant bombardment and targeted killings across Gaza.
Since January, Israel’s obstruction of the entry and distribution of aid has created a dire situation for Palestinians as dozens have since been recorded killed by starvation and dehydration. Many more remain in critical condition in barely functioning hospitals under Israel’s total siege and bombardment. Starving Palestinians is a key target of this genocidal campaign to try and force Gaza to submit to occupation.
We need to escalate our pressure.
100 notes · View notes
ayjsolicitors2 · 1 year ago
Text
UK visa rejections may occur due to incomplete documentation, insufficient financial evidence, or discrepancies in the information provided. Common reasons include failure to meet eligibility criteria, lack of ties to the home country, and concerns about the genuineness of the purpose of the visit. Understanding and addressing these reasons is crucial for a successful visa application process.
0 notes
ukrfeminism · 1 year ago
Text
Every day since arriving in Britain, Yvonne, a nurse in the NHS, has FaceTimed her two daughters back home in Zimbabwe. Often the calls end in tears. Other days, the younger girl, aged four, asks difficult questions like, “When can you send the aeroplane to come and get us, Mummy?” “It’s heartbreaking,” Yvonne says. “I don’t know what to do.”
Yvonne is one of dozens of migrant women who have been refused permission for their children to join them in Britain. Despite current rules permitting healthcare workers to bring family members, single mothers, many of them recruited to work in the NHS and care sector, are routinely having their applications denied.
The applications are being refused under a decades-old Home Office rule that a child may only be given a visa if both parents are living in the UK, unless the parent living here has sole responsibility. Many of the approximately 150 women who have come forward so far have supplied extensive evidence showing they are the children’s primary caregivers. But the applications have still been refused.
Yvonne says she moved to Britain to improve her family’s future. “We’re searching for greener pastures, to give our kids a better life,” the 34-year-old says. Before departing, she says, her employer reassured her that it should be simple enough for her daughters to join her.
So in March 2023 she left the girls in the temporary care of a nanny and boarded a flight. Two months later, after securing accommodation and starting her new job, she applied to the Home Office for the children’s visas.
Documents shared with the Observer show she explained that she had always cared for the girls, they had always lived with her, and supplied references from their schools, doctors and grandmother, along with consent letters from the other parent.
The application was rejected on the grounds that the girls could live with other relatives, and that Yvonne had not provided “compelling reasons” for them to come.
Ten months after she arrived, she is still battling the Home Office to reverse its decision. The girls are in the care of their grandparents, but Yvonne says this is not a long-term fix. “My parents are both in a bad position physically. They can’t carry the burden of looking after a four-year-old,” she says. “I have looked after my children all their lives. And now to be told I don’t have reason to live with them … that is the most painful thing.”
Another mother, Juliet Mupeni, said her 13-year-old son had been traumatised by the decision not to let him come. Mupeni, 37, a former university lecturer in cybersecurity, who moved from Zimbabwe in May to work as a live-in carer, supplied detailed evidence showing she is the boy’s sole caregiver, including a letter from the Zimbabwean authorities stating she has, and always has had, sole parental responsibility.
She also supplied letters from his school, doctor and church pastor, and a consent letter from the boy’s father, who she says she separated from a decade ago. But the Home Office rejected the application, questioning why the boy, who is staying with a family friend, couldn’t live with his dad.
Mupeni submitted a fresh application with further proof, but this, too, was refused. In a cruel twist, the rejection letter said the fact the child had been without his mother since she moved to Britain was proof he did not need to come. “My son feels I have abandoned him. After the second refusal he was very very emotional. He was crying for several days,” she says. “I moved here specifically for his future. If I thought he couldn’t join me I wouldn’t have come.”
In another case, a mother who was refused permission for her son to join her was told that as the boy’s father had contact with the child “occasionally and sporadically”, this was proof he could stay with him. The Home Office also said a letter saying the child’s grandmother had “chronic conditions” and could not care for the child long-term was not detailed enough, concluding there were no “compassionate and compelling circumstances” to grant the visa.
In other cases, women were asked to provide further evidence to support their applications so applied for court documents in their home countries. They had not needed them before as their separations or custody arrangements were informal. But the Home Office said that as the documents were dated recently, they had only been obtained for the purposes of securing a visa and refused the applications.
Carol, 39, a care worker also from Zimbabwe, who has been denied a visa for her 17-year-old daughter, said: “I don’t know why they are doing this. It is like we are not human beings. It’s like our families don’t mean as much as the families we are coming to look after.”
Lawyers and charities are calling for the cases to be reviewed, and the Home Office approach to be modernised, so that caseworkers give more weight to what is in the children’s best interests.
Current Home Office guidance does allow for exceptions, telling caseworkers that even if the sole responsibility test is not met, they can still allow visas if there are compassionate grounds to do so.
It explicitly says that a consent letter from the other parent would count in favour of their case. Yet many of the women providing such evidence are still having their children’s visas declined. Applicants can apply for a review but these can be costly, take several months and look only at whether administrative errors were made.
Sacha Wooldridge, head of immigration at law firm Birketts, said the sole responsibility test was intended to protect the other parent’s rights, but that it did not recognise “today’s modern society” and could be a “very blunt instrument”.
The Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association says the “sole responsibility” test is “completely out of step with current best practice”. Last year, the cross-party peers on the House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs committee said the policy was tearing apart families and should be revised.
Another mother, Amara, who moved from South Africa to Cheshire to work as a live-in carer, urged the Home Office to review the decisions and “show compassion”.
She has been fighting since July for her daughters, 12 and 14, to join her. “When I heard about the UK needing healthcare workers I thought, ‘OK, I would love to go and help out there.’ But it feels like the UK doesn’t care about us,” she said. “I would love the Home Office to be considerate and empathetic. I would ask them to put themselves in my shoes.”
21 notes · View notes
achal092411 · 1 year ago
Text
0 notes