In our 14 years in the immigration business, Global Visas has constantly strived to fulfill any immigration or visa need, especially when it involves keeping a family together. However sometimes there is no legal way around the system and as heartbreaking it may be, there is nothing we can do.

This is what happened today in our London office. A mother’s wish to keep her son safely in the United Kingdom was dashed as his dependent visa expires at the end of this weekend. The son, a nineteen year Zimbabwean, will now have to return to Zimbabwe where he has no home, food or hope.

The reason for this is because he has applied too late. He has been in the UK for many years under his mother’s ancestry visa. However now that he is over 18 this dependence falls away. Because of the late application there is no other option for him but to return to his place of birth. Even if he applies for a study permit in the UK, he will have to go back to Zimbabwe in order to obtain entry clearance.

It was an emotional day at Global Visas as tears were shed over the issue. It is frustrating when you cannot help someone despite looking at all avenues - law is law and cannot be sidestepped.

We at Global Visas are passionate about helping people, but today we were defeated. We certainly hope this remains a rarity.