Hi Everyone, I'm new here and very glad to have found this forum! I am desperately in need of your help and advise. My father applied for a family visit visa from the Philippines to come here in the UK. He is 65 yrs old and we, his daughter and son-in-law, is sponsoring him in all of his accomodation and expenses. All the supporting documents needed from us as the sponsor were sent, but unfortunately his application was refused. Because my father is no longer working and has no income, as he is our dependent, he has not shown any assets, finances or evidences to support of his stay. We declare that we will be shouldering all his expences during his stay here in the UK. The decision says that they are not convinced that he will no longer come back to the Philippines as he is wholly dependent from us. He's granted an appeal. Please advise as to what's the best thing to do in terms of applying for an appeal, what are the processes that we have to go through and any other informations about this matter. I would sincerely appreciate all your advise and opinion. Many thanks, Cristina
Welcome to British Filipino Cristina. Sadly, I doubt there is much you can do (and I await others to respond) but if the UKBA cannot see any reason for a person to go back to their country of origin (and that country is a poor country) then they have no option but to refuse entry. My wife could not gain entry even if we tried using a tourist visa as she has few ties to the Philippines (like an own business and stuff). Sorry not to be able to give better news...
UKBA has gone stricter now when it comes to getting people in the country with not much financial back-up, for fear that they will end up claiming benefits.. absurd! In the letter of refusal, UKBA has explained in detail why they refused your father's entry to the UK. In which case, you would have to present evidence that refutes their reason for refusal. Is your father involved in any voluntary work in the Phils, or an organisation where he is an officer and that he needs to come back to attend/plan/organise a big event? e.g. Rotary or Lion's.. just thinking that since he would hae to plan/organise a Lion's or Rotary assembly (important one), that would be a compelling reason for him to return. Does he have a house? That's a property. And you can also state that he still has a family in the Phils and he can't leave them.. and ailing mother/father perhaps.. just explore these options or something similar. You can also write to your MP and ask for help and advise. Keep us posted.
