Support grows in deportation case

Josie Pasane will have to leave the UK, but her mother and sister can stay

A woman who is fighting deportation back to South Africa has won the backing of Dundee City Council.

Josie Pasane, 25, will have to leave her mother and sister behind in the city if she is forced to return to her home country.

She is blaming poor advice from immigration officials for her permanent residency application being rejected.

The council will write to Immigration Minister Liam Byrne asking for her to be allowed to stay.

A petition with more than 3,500 names was also delivered to Mr Byrne on Tuesday morning by Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie.

The Pasanes have been in the UK since 2001. Ms Pasane has since graduated from Abertay University and got a job, which she has had to give up because of the visa problems.

Her mother Catherine and sister Mammie applied to live permanently in the UK in 2004 and were successful.

However, because of the high cost involved Ms Pasane was advised she could wait until her visa expired in 2008 before she had to apply.

When she did apply earlier this year she was rejected because she is no longer financially dependent on her mother, and her father and other sister live in South Africa.

I couldn't have imagined such support, but at the same time I'm very grateful Josie Pasane

An appeal against that decision was also unsuccessful, so Ms Pasane and her supporters are now appealing direct to the Home Office.

Dundee City Council leader Kevin Keenan said: "The council agreed last night that a letter should be sent to Liam Byrne.

"There was cross-party backing for my motion and this shows the strength of feeling that exists for Josie.

"I hope that the tremendous support that is being demonstrated for her helps the case for her to remain in this country."

Ms Pasane, who lives in Broughty Ferry, said the support she had received in the area had been amazing.

"If we had to be split it would be a very devastating situation for my mother and sister and I and we are just hoping for the best outcome," she said.

"I've had a lot of support from my congregation, my minister and the local community and I just hope for the best outcome.

"I couldn't have imagined such support, but at the same time I'm very grateful."

The UK Border Agency has said that applications to stay in the UK are considered thoroughly and appeals are fully considered by independent immigration judges.

The Agency added that those who do not meet the requirements are expected to return home, which is essential for a fair and controlled immigration system.