"I have never welcomed the weakening of family ties by politics or pressure" - Nelson Mandela.
"He who travels for love finds a thousand miles no longer than one" - Japanese proverb.
"Everyone has the right to respect for his private and family life, his home and his correspondence." - Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
"When people's love is divided by law, it is the law that needs to change". -
David Cameron.

Tuesday 10 September 2013

Eric & Halima

“We are £800 short of the £24,800 threshold and therefore not allowed to be together as a family.”

Eric is a British resident. He has been living here for 25 years. He met his wife, Halima, whilst on holiday in Kenya. They hit it off immediately, and about a year later welcomed their beautiful daughter into the world. They got married and were blessed with a second child, a son. Their family is complete.


Eric works as a Head Chef. When he applied for a settlement visa for his wife and two children, both born in Kenya, he earned £23,124. With overtime and bonuses included, he earned £24,000. The visa was still however refused because this is £800 short of the £24,800 needed to sponsor a spouse and two children.

Despite Eric not claiming benefits – indeed, by the government’s own account, earns so much he is disqualified from claiming benefits - this family is told they can’t be together because of £800.


A married couple with two children. A father who has not even seen or held his son. A father who knows his son through Skype. A father not able to be there for his wife and daughter either.

Eric has tried living in Kenya. However he was unable to find a suitable job. With a family to support, they decided it made financial sense for Eric to return to the UK, his home and have his family move here.

But because of £800 they are not allowed to be together.



The family made a video of their plight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KrMqtuvcck


More : 
http://britcits.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/divided-families-skype-love-httpswww.html
http://familyimmigrationalliance.wordpress.com/2013/09/08/halima-and-erics-story/
https://twitter.com/halimasalat

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