92 Year Old Will Be Deported To South Africa On Tuesday Next Week
In a decision that has outraged the country and launched a petition being widely circulated on social media, the British Government has ordered that a frail 92-year-old must pack her bags and return to her native South Africa on Tuesday.
Myrtle Cothill, who has heart problems, who is losing her eyesight and cannot walk unaided, is looked after by her only daughter, Mary Wills, in Poole, Dorset.
She is completely reliant on her daughter, who is a qualified carer, to look after her on a day-to-day basis.
Mrs Cothill’s application to stay in Britain has been turned down, and she has been booked on to a flight back to South Africa next Tuesday.
Online Petition
Almost 67,000 people have signed an online petition, launched by Mrs Cothill’s barrister, Ms Jan Doerfel. The petition calls for:
- Grant Myrtle Cothill leave to remain in the UK to live out what days she has left under the care of her daughter;
- Reverse the amendment of the Immigration rule on adult dependant relatives which came into force in July 2012 radically changing the previous rule which allowed British nationals and other settled persons (i.e. persons with Indefinite Leave to Remain) to be joined by their parents/grandparents aged over 65yrs if they could be accommodated and financially supported by their children/grandchildren without reliance on the public purse.
- Reinstate the previous Immigration rule on family reunion to enable others like Myrtle to be granted leave to remain in the UK.
Ms Doerfel states in the petition that, “The present Immigration rule on adult dependant relatives introduced in 2012 makes it almost impossible for British citizens to bring their elderly parents to live with them in the UK in their declining years.
Those like Mary who want to help and do the right thing have to deal with the wedge this Immigration rule drives between them. It breaks up families like Myrtle’s, Mary’s and David’s, leads to unspeakable heartache and undermines the very essence of family values.”
A Home Office spokesman said: "All applications are considered on their individual merits and in line with the Immigration rules.
"The decision made on this case has been upheld by two separate, independent tribunals which considered the full range of evidence presented."
OTS Solicitors is widely regarded as one of the best Immigration law firms in the United Kingdom. Our lawyers have an in-depth knowledge of the Immigration Rules and how they affect families. Our dynamic, down-to-earth legal team will ensure you receive the most comprehensive and up to date Immigration advice available.
To find out more on how we can advise you on bringing an adult relative to the UK, please phone our office on 0207 936 9960 to talk to one of our team. We would be happy to offer an initial consultation over the phone, or you can make an appointment to see us in our London office.