Grandmother Wins Deportation Battle After Investing in UK Business

Cheryl Robins, a 61-year-old grandmother from South Africa, won her fight against deportation after investing her savings into a UK farm shop. Following a campaign from her MP, the Home Office reversed its decision, allowing her to remain in the UK for humanitarian reasons. Robins expressed her relief and gratitude after facing significant challenges due to new visa regulations.

A 61-year-old grandmother, Cheryl Robins, has successfully fought against her deportation to South Africa after investing all her savings into a farm shop in the UK. The Home Office made its decision to allow her to stay after pressure from her MP and public support. Robins expressed her joy, stating it means she can visit her family without fear of not being allowed back into the UK.

Robins’ spousal visa renewal was initially denied as the couple didn’t meet the new financial requirements. Despite her husband, Mike, being a British passport holder, they did not meet the savings threshold of £88,500 or an annual income of at least £29,000. However, the pair invested approximately £90,000 into their farm shop in Dorset and had not drawn a salary to develop their business.

The Home Office later overturned its decision on humanitarian grounds after highlighting the negative impact of deportation. Edward Morello, the local Liberal Democrat MP, expressed his delight at the ruling and criticized the long, stressful journey to obtain common sense in the case. The couple originally immigrated from Zimbabwe in 2003 before relocating to the UK in 2019 due to safety concerns.

After settling in the UK and establishing their farm shop, the couple faced another setback when Cheryl’s visa renewal was rejected, putting them at risk of returning to South Africa, which she described as a “death sentence” due to its high crime rates. Following the favorable ruling, she expressed that a burdensome cloud had lifted, enabling them to resume their lives and focus on their business.

Robins shared that in response to their financial concerns, they decided to put their shop up for sale to secure enough savings and prevent future deportation issues. She expressed immense gratitude to those who supported them through this difficult time, emphasizing the relief they feel following the Home Office’s decision.

Cheryl Robins’s case illustrates the complexities involved in immigration and visa regulations, particularly for individuals who have contributed significantly to the local economy. The eventual overturning of her deportation on humanitarian grounds highlights the importance of public support in influencing immigration policy decisions and the emotional toll such processes can take on families.

Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk