Cheryl Robins faces deportation to South Africa after her UK visa renewal was denied, jeopardizing her family’s business and life.
She may have to leave the country, which would separate her from her husband and son. They used to live in Zimbabwe, leaving in 2003 because of racism.
In 2003, they moved to South Africa. However, the situation wasn’t much better, as they faced high crime and job loss. Mike is a British citizen, so they decided to move to the UK.
Mike moved first in 2019 and met certain financial rules. This allowed Cheryl to join him later. She worked in sales, and eventually, they invested in the butcher shop.
Cheryl had a 30-month spousal visa, but her renewal got rejected because she didn’t meet the new financial requirements. The savings threshold is £88,500, and the salary needed is £29,000. This is higher than the original £18,600.
Cheryl speaks English fluently. Still, she took three English tests and paid for fingerprints and biometrics. The whole immigration process cost them around £10,000.
Cheryl must appeal by February 24, and she asked friends for help. They shared their violent experiences in South Africa, showing why it’s unsafe for her to return.
Edward Morello, a local MP, supports Cheryl and asked the Home Secretary to step in. The UK’s own website warns about South Africa, listing high crime rates like murder.
South Africa has a very high murder rate. Many of its cities are very dangerous, and rape rates are also among the world’s highest.
Cheryl says crime in South Africa is terrible, recalling feeling unsafe there. Mike moved to London in 2019, and Cheryl felt alone during those years, describing watching the gate at night.
Guns are dangerous for protection; intruders could use them against you, she explained. They used their savings for their shop, which makes a profit and pays all the bills. But the UK rejected Cheryl because she doesn’t get a salary.
The application asked about living in South Africa. Cheryl answered yes, technically, but she has nowhere to live there. All of their investments are here in the UK, and returning means living on the street.
The government isn’t acknowledging their business, nor do they acknowledge their 24-year marriage. They said Mike can stay, even if Cheryl is deported. Cheryl feels emotionally drained and suffered panic attacks because of this ordeal.
Cheryl had to ask her friends to recall painful memories. It seems unfair to make them relive trauma. They had to put the business for sale and seek jobs, which hurts them because they worked so hard. They don’t know why the saved money needs to sit in a bank.
Cheryl feels like a good citizen; they don’t take assistance from the state. They are self-sufficient and want to live quietly. The community support helps her a lot.
Morello stated that the Robins run a key local business and sees them as valued community members. He thinks it is absurd that the Home Office does not see this and hopes they will change their minds.
The Home Office said they are communicating with Cheryl and want to help while they are considering the application.