Grandmother Wins Battle Against Deportation to South Africa

Cheryl Robins, 61, faced deportation to South Africa but has successfully secured her right to remain in the UK after her local MP intervened. Her spousal visa renewal was initially denied due to financial criteria despite investing £90,000 in a farm shop. The Home Office’s recent decision was made on humanitarian grounds, allowing her to reunite with family without fear of deportation.

Cheryl Robins, a 61-year-old grandmother, has successfully overturned her deportation order to South Africa after investing her savings in a UK farm shop. The Daily Mail reported on her case this week, urging the Home Office to reconsider their ruling while her local MP, Edward Morello, advocated on her behalf.

Expressing her relief, Mrs. Robins stated, “I am absolutely ecstatic and can’t help smiling. It means I can travel to see my children and grandchildren back in South Africa and in Dubai without the fear of not being allowed back into the UK.” Despite her husband Mike, 65, having a British passport, Mrs. Robins faced rejection of her spousal visa renewal due to new financial requirements.

The couple had invested £90,000 into their Abbotsbury farm shop, with Mrs. Robins not drawing a salary to reinvest in their business. The Home Office ultimately decided to grant her stay on humanitarian grounds rather than financial considerations.

Originally from Zimbabwe, the couple moved to South Africa in 2003 before relocating to the UK in 2019, where Mr. Robins worked as an engineer. After facing difficulties with their visa renewal, Mrs. Robins described a potential return to South Africa as a “death sentence” due to its high crime rates.

Following the decision, Mrs. Robins remarked that the relief felt like a “dark cloud” had lifted, allowing them to resume their lives. However, they have now put the shop up for sale to secure savings ahead of another visa review in 30 months.

She extended her gratitude to those who supported her, highlighting the stress and challenges her family faced during this ordeal.

Cheryl Robins’ case emphasizes the complexities surrounding immigration law and humanitarian considerations. After considerable pressure, she was able to overturn her deportation order, showcasing the impact of community and political support. As the couple seeks to stabilize their future, the importance of financial preparedness for visa regulations remains evident.

Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk