Cheryl Robins, a 61-year-old grandmother, has won her fight to remain in the UK after facing deportation despite having invested her life savings into a local farm shop. The decision was made on humanitarian grounds following advocacy from her local MP. Mrs. Robins expressed immense relief at the ruling, enabling her to visit family without fear. The couple plans to sell their business to secure additional financial stability amid ongoing immigration concerns.
A South African grandmother, Cheryl Robins, aged 61, has successfully fought against her deportation, allowing her to remain in the United Kingdom. Ms. Robins had invested her life savings of approximately £90,000 into her farm shop located in Abbotsbury, Dorset, while her spousal visa renewal was rejected due to new financial regulations requiring applicants to have £88,500 in savings or earn a minimum salary of £29,000 annually.
The case gained traction when highlighted by the Daily Mail, prompting her local MP, Edward Morello, to advocate on her behalf. After an appeal was decided on humanitarian grounds, Mrs. Robins expressed her overwhelming joy, stating, “I am absolutely ecstatic and can’t help smiling,” as the ruling enables her to visit family without fear of being unable to return to the UK.
Originally from Zimbabwe, the Robins family relocated to South Africa in 2003, where they encountered increasing crime rates that ultimately led Mr. Robins to seek opportunities in the UK. He came to Britain in 2019, securing a job with the London Underground, which facilitated Ms. Robins’ immigration process once they met financial requirements.
The couple has been operating a renovated butchers shop, now functioning as a farm shop and café, anticipating profits during the upcoming tourist season. However, the threat of deportation had cast a shadow over their efforts. Ms. Robins described a potential return to South Africa as a “death sentence” due to its alarming crime statistics.
Despite the positive outcome regarding her residency, Ms. Robins indicated that they had placed the shop up for sale to accumulate additional savings, mitigating the risk of facing similar challenges in the future. She expressed gratitude to Mr. Morello, the Daily Mail, and all supporters, saying, “The relief is indescribable.”
Cheryl Robins’ successful appeal against deportation underscores the importance of humanitarian considerations in immigration cases, particularly those involving significant investments and community contributions. While she can now reunite with her family without the constant fear of being sent back to South Africa, the couple’s decision to sell their business reflects ongoing financial concerns that may persist despite their victory.
Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
