Grandmother Wins Battle Against Deportation to South Africa

Cheryl Robins, a 61-year-old grandmother, won her battle against deportation to South Africa after her spousal visa renewal was denied. She invested all her savings into a UK farm shop, which factored into the Home Office’s humanitarian decision. The case received media attention, leading to intervention from her MP, who emphasized the unnecessary stress endured by the family. Robins expresses profound relief at the ruling, allowing her to reunite with her family without fear of deportation.

A 61-year-old grandmother, Cheryl Robins, faced deportation to South Africa despite having invested all her savings into a farm shop in the United Kingdom. Recently, she won a significant battle to remain in the UK after her story was highlighted by the Daily Mail, prompting her Member of Parliament to intervene with the Home Office for a reconsideration of her case.

Mrs. Robins expressed her overwhelming joy, stating, “I am absolutely ecstatic and can’t help smiling.” This victory allows her to travel to see her family in South Africa and Dubai without fear of being denied re-entry into the UK. Her spousal visa renewal was initially denied due to the couple’s failure to meet stringent financial requirements.

The Home Office’s decision to allow Mrs. Robins to remain was based on humanitarian grounds rather than financial ones. The couple, originally from Zimbabwe, had relocated to South Africa in 2003, and Mr. Robins later moved to the UK to work as an engineer, eventually enabling him to sponsor his wife’s visa application.

The couple had invested approximately £90,000 into their farm shop in Abbotsbury, Dorset, where they hope to profit during the upcoming tourist season. Mrs. Robins characterized the prospect of returning to South Africa as a “death sentence” due to the extreme crime rates in the country.

Mrs. Robins stated, “Now it feels like a dark cloud has been lifted, and Mike and I can hopefully get on with our lives.” Although relieved by the outcome, the couple plans to sell their shop to accumulate savings to prevent future visa issues.

Cheryl Robins’s successful fight to remain in the UK highlights the intersection of personal distress and immigration policy. Despite significant emotional and financial strain, her case emphasizes the importance of humanitarian considerations in immigration decisions. This outcome not only allows her to stay close to her family but also underscores the complexities surrounding immigration regulations and their implications for individuals who contribute to society. With the necessary support and intervention from her MP, the case illustrates how community advocacy can have a significant impact.

Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk