Joy as South African graduate told she can stay in UK with her family

Published on Thursday 10 July 2008 22:38

A YOUNG South African woman who was facing deportation from Scotland wept with joy yesterday after winning the battle to stop her family being torn apart in an immigration mix-up.

Josie Pasane, 25, a graduate of Abertay University, rushed into the arms of her relieved mother and sister as she came out victorious from a meeting in Glasgow with UK Border Agency officials.

The agency admitted they blundered four years ago when they wrongly advised her she could wait until 2008, when her visa expired, before applying for permission to stay in the UK.

Ms Pasane has lived in Broughty Ferry, near Dundee, since the family arrived in Britain seven years ago.

She acted on the official advice and did not apply for permanent residence when her mother, Catherine, and sister, Mammie, each paid a 500 fee to have applications processed.

But following her meeting in Glasgow, she confirmed officials had now offered an apology.

She said: "They apologised for the wrong information given to my family in 2004, and for them to acknowledge their mistake meant a lot to us all.

"I am allowed to stay with my mum and sister. I feel wonderful. It's been a great day. I had left room for disappointment if things did not go my way. But I was able to remain optimistic thanks to the support of the community and my family and friends.

"Even people who did not know me have given me their support – that's just amazing."

People in Broughty Ferry had rallied round the family and last month a petition with more than 4,000 signatures, calling for Ms Pasane to be given the right to remain in the UK, was given to Liam Byrne, minister for borders and immigration.

It was handed over by Stewart Hosie, the SNP MP for Dundee East, who yesterday praised the decision to allow Ms Pasane to remain in Britain. "I am delighted for Josie and her family," he said. "I know how hard this period of uncertainty has been for her. I am certain this is down to the hard work and support of the local community and the many local people who signed the petition. All those involved deserve a pat on the back."

Mr Hosie added: "She was following advice that was fundamentally flawed and people saw the natural injustice in this and rallied to her cause.

"The Home Office, as I understand it, have apologised for any misinformation and reversed the decision. It was just so blatantly unfair."

Ms Pasane's mother, Catherine, spoke of her relief at the news. She said: "We had fantastic support from the MP, from the church and from the community. I don't even have the words to say thank you to everyone."

Earlier this year, Ms Pasane had to give up her sales job at H&M after being told she would have to leave the country.

She said: "It has been difficult for me not to be able to work, because I'm an ambitious person, but now this is over I can concentrate on my career."

A spokeswoman for the UK Border Agency said: "We do not comment on the details of individual cases. If appropriate, in exceptional cases, we may reconsider our decision."

IN NUMBERS

190

people awaiting deportation can be held at any one time in the Dungavel removal centre, Glasgow.

270

Afghan people were removed from the UK between January and March this year.

283,500

failed asylum seekers are in Britain, according to the Independent Asylum Commission.

63,140

people were removed from the UK last year by the Border and Immigration Agency.

1

person is deported every eight minutes.

4,200

criminals removed in 2007.

1,640

asylum applicants were detained by the Home Office in the first quarter of this year.