| The MP visited Broughty Ferry New Kirk church this morning to collect a petition containing nearly 4000 signatures in support of Josie’s right to stay in the country.
The 25-year-old’s problems began when her mother and 22-year-old sister Mammie applied for permanent residence in 2004 after moving to the UK three years earlier.
Josie was told she could defer applying until February this year when her visa expired.
But when she did, the Abertay University graduate was told that as she was not “wholly or mainly dependent” on her mother she should return to South Africa.
The independent Asylum and Immigration Tribunal declined to overturn the decision on appeal but did suggest the Home Office might use its powers of discretion to allow her to stay with her family in Scotland.
The Broughty Ferry community has rallied round the Pasanes and hope their show of support will convince minister of state for borders and immigration Liam Byrne to grant Josie the right to remain in the UK.
Mr Hosie said, “There has been an overwhelming response and that is evidenced just by the amount of people who came out today to see the petition being handed over.
“This is exactly what we need to do to keep the pressure on the Home Office and this petition will be with the Minister at 10.30 tomorrow morning and then we’ll take it from there.”
Josie herself, who had to give up her job as a sales assistant at H&M after being told she will have to leave the country, said community support had helped her cope with the stress of the situation.
“I feel wonderful at the level of support everybody from Broughty Ferry and the surrounding area has given me,” she said.
“It’s been overwhelming — just fantastic.
“I’m very hopeful that this will give them a reason to let me stay with my family.
“The support has given me a reason to be strong and to fight for my right to stay with my family.”
The Rev Catherine Collins, who organised the campaign on behalf of the Broughty Ferry New Kirk church, said everyone could empathise with the Pasanes’ plight.
“I’m not surprised that there’s a lot of concern,” she said.
“Anyone who is a parent can imagine the situation.
“We’re very hopeful — it’s a case of justice and common sense needing to be applied.” |
