BritCits

Aldeburgh: Support grows for teacher and his Russian wife split by visa row

http://www.eadt.co.uk/news/politics/aldeburgh_support_grows_for_teacher_and_his_russian_wife_split_by_visa_row_1_3533389

'Support is mounting for a teacher’s battle with immigration officials to reunite his family at their Suffolk home.

'Yesterday, this paper reported Charles Tait’s bid to convince the Government to allow his Russian wife, Eugenia, back into the UK after she was twice denied entry on a visitor’s visa.

'Since then, supporters of the Taits’ plight have added their signatures to an online petition, while an offer of legal assistance has come from a London immigration lawyer.

'Meanwhile, the Home Office has disclosed why Mrs Tait’s applications have been turned down by the British Embassy in Moscow.

'Mr Tait met his wife while teaching English in St Petersburg in 2007. They married three years later in his hometown of Aldeburgh, where they moved with their five-year-old daughter, Angela, following the death of Mr Tait’s father last year.

'Mrs Tait returned to St Petersburg this February to renew her six-month visitor’s visa - but her application was refused, despite assurances that Mr Tait will provide for his wife while she voluntarily cares for his mother in Aldeburgh.

'When Mr Tait has completed six months teaching at Ipswich Academy, the couple can apply for a spouse visa, but it may be the middle of summer before the family are back together again.'

The online petition is here : http://www.change.org/petitions/the-home-office-grant-entry-clearance-for-mother-and-wife-of-british-subjects