News / International
Visa relief for couple who fled Mugabe
02 Sep 2016 at 09:30hrs | Views
A COUPLE who fled Zimbabwe to escape the Mugabe regime have had their visa extended after a six-month battle with authorities.
Yvonne and Clive Karusseit live in Melbourne in Derbyshire, but were told they could not stay because they had not proved they could speak English, despite it being their first language.
The couple failed to submit a language test as part of their application to stay in the UK permanently, but by the time they'd had their request to stay rejected their visa had expired, meaning they were unable to re-submit their application for permanent citizenship.
After six months of what the couple describe as 'hell' they've been granted a visa to stay for two and a half years. During this time they will be able to re-apply for permission to stay in the UK permanently.
They said they would not have got through the last six months without the support of their local community.
They have been granted leave to remain under exceptional circumstances for the next 30 months. Yvonne cares for her elderly mother, and Clive has a full time job, which has been kept open for him by his employer.
Their lawyer will help them submit their next application for residency to avoid any mistakes being made.
Source - ITV